Fever Star Is Third Player Injured in Game Against Mercury

Fever Star Is Third Player Injured in Game Against Mercury originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Thursday’s matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury was eventful, to say the least.

Unfortunately for the Fever, their outing was characterized by multiple injuries, on top of their centerpiece Caitlin Clark remaining out due to a re-aggravated groin problem. Clark sat out for a ninth straight game on Thursday and has no timetable on her return as of yet.

At one point in the third quarter, Fever star Natasha Howard took a hit to the face after getting caught up with Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper. Howard stole the ball from Copper, but immediately gave the ball up again.

According to Fever beat reporter Chloe Peterson of Indy Star, Howard was slow to get up after hitting the deck during the incident in question. A trainer checked on Howard’s face on the bench, and the reigning Commissioner’s Cup MVP reportedly held a towel to her face. Howard was unable to check back into the game immediately and had to remain on the bench.

Howard was the third injured Fever player from Thursday’s game. In the first half, veteran guard Sydney Colson had to be helped off the court after suffering what appeared to be a non-contact leg injury. Indiana ruled her out for the remainder of the contest, and the fans are now hoping for the best after the scary-looking injury.

Before the first half ended, Sophie Cunningham also suffered an ankle injury. She did not warm up for the second half with the team and ended up being replaced in the lineup by Lexie Hull to start the third quarter. The good news is that Cunningham was able to return to the game, but she may need to undergo tests after the matchup.

The same could be the case for Howard, who may have sustained a facial injury in this one. Colson, on the other hand, is potentially facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

At this point, the Fever might just have a lengthy injury report for their next game, which will be on Sunday against their rivals, the Chicago Sky.

UPDATE: A fourth player was injured for the Fever in the fourth quarter of the game. Guard Aari McDonald headed to the locker room with a trainer and was reportedly limping.

Related: WNBA Reacts to Indiana Fever Player's 'Unhinged' Comments on Thursday

Related: Concerning Update Emerges on Caitlin Clark’s Injury Recovery

Related: Fever's Sophie Cunningham, Lexie Hull's New Swimsuit Video Is Blowing Up Online

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.