INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 8, 2025) — The Indiana Fever have been dealt a major setback as the team announced Friday that guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald will both miss the rest of the 2025 WNBA season after sustaining injuries in Thursday night’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury.
Colson, a veteran guard known for her leadership and energy on and off the court, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during the first quarter. McDonald, a dynamic playmaker and defensive presence, fractured a bone in her right foot late in the fourth quarter.
The injuries occurred in what had already been a hard-fought contest on the road in Phoenix, further complicating the Fever’s push toward the postseason. Losing two backcourt contributors in a single game leaves Indiana with significant adjustments to make for the remainder of the schedule.
Colson, who has been a vocal leader for the Fever’s young roster, was averaging steady minutes off the bench and providing a veteran presence in the locker room. McDonald joined the team earlier this season as a free-agent signing to help fill the void when Caitlin Clark went down with injury, quickly carving out a bigger role as both a scorer and defensive stopper.
The Fever did not announce specific timelines for recovery beyond confirming that both players will be sidelined until next season. Rehabilitation for an ACL tear typically ranges from 9 to 12 months, while recovery from a foot fracture varies depending on severity.
The news sparked strong reactions from Fever fans online. One supporter summed up the mood bluntly, saying the team’s playoff hopes may now be limited to a first-round exit without both point guards and calling for Indiana to “go out and get at least two” replacements at the position.
Indiana will now look to its remaining guards to step up in expanded roles, with the possibility of adding depth through hardship contracts or free-agent signings as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.
