DiJonai Carrington’s return lasts only four minutes as foot issue resurfaces

DiJonai Carrington’s return lasts only four minutes as foot issue resurfaces originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

DiJonai Carrington’s long-awaited return to the Chicago Sky lineup has hit another obstacle. Carrington was cleared to play Tuesday against the Connecticut Sun despite being listed as questionable with a left foot injury. Her night lasted only four minutes.

The Sky ruled Carrington out for the remainder of the game after she collected one rebound in the first half. The development was particularly concerning because Carrington missed Chicago’s first 27 games while recovering from a foot injury.

Carrington made her season debut earlier in August and played her 10th game Sunday against the Indiana Fever. She came off the bench for 18 minutes in Chicago’s 113-90 loss, recording seven points, three rebounds, one assist and one block. The defeat eliminated the Sky from playoff contention for a third consecutive year.

Coach Marsh on DiJonai Carrington's foot issue:

"It's been kind of a day-to-day thing.
She felt well enough to play last game and then we just continue to monitor it to see how it feels the day after and going into the next game. She will be probably be a game time decision".

Before Tuesday’s game, Chicago coach Tyler Marsh described Carrington’s foot issue as a day-to-day situation. Marsh said the team would continue monitoring how Carrington felt after games before determining her availability. She felt well enough to receive clearance against Connecticut, but the decision to remove her after four minutes showed the issue had not fully disappeared.

Carrington has averaged 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in limited action this season. She entered Tuesday shooting 33.7% from the field and 29.2% from 3-point range while averaging 17.4 minutes. Her absence became even more significant after Natasha Cloud also was ruled out Tuesday with a right knee injury. Chicago already was playing without veteran guard Skylar Diggins.

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With the playoffs no longer attainable, the Sky have little reason to take unnecessary chances with Carrington’s health. Determining whether she can finish the season safely now matters more than forcing her back into the rotation.

Chicago did not immediately announce the severity of the latest setback or provide a timeline for Carrington’s return.

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