Update on Sophie Cunningham’s Ankle Injury

Where Things Stand Today (August 18, 2025)

Sophie Cunningham’s right ankle—the one that cost her the start of the season—has healed well. She returned to the Indiana Fever rotation in mid-June and had been playing significant minutes through August. The current concern for Cunningham is not her ankle but a new right knee injury suffered on August 17 against the Connecticut Sun; the team said she would undergo an MRI, and no official diagnosis had been announced at the time of writing.

How the Ankle Injury Happened?

Cunningham first sprained her right ankle during the preseason in early May. Head coach Stephanie White and local reporting confirmed she’d be out for the season opener and limited in the days that followed as the ankle calmed down.

Early Games Missed

By early June, updates noted that the ankle remained the primary issue and had already cost her multiple games to open the year. Team-focused outlets reiterated Indiana’s cautious approach as she ramped up.

The Return: Mid-June Clearance and On-Court Role

On June 13, multiple reports indicated Cunningham was cleared to return for the highly watched matchup with the New York Liberty. She was back in the rotation from mid-June onward, gradually finding rhythm and spacing for Indiana.

What It Looked Like on the Floor?

As July turned to August, Cunningham’s efficiency and spacing became a notable part of Indiana’s lineups. Coverage highlighted her shooting surge and two-way lift during the Fever’s playoff push when healthy.

Was There Any Ankle Scare After the Return?

There was a brief left ankle scare in early August when she limped to the locker room and later finished that stretch of the schedule. This was distinct from the original right ankle sprain that sidelined her early in the season. Importantly, there were no fresh reports of a re-aggravation of the right ankle after mid-June.

Bottom Line on the Ankle

• Status: Resolved enough for full game action since mid-June.
• Management: Standard maintenance and monitoring typical for in-season ankle sprains.
• Impact: She provided reliable shooting and spacing when available, helping stabilize guard rotations thinned by other injuries.

The New Development: Right Knee Injury (Aug 17)

In the second quarter against the Connecticut Sun on August 17, Cunningham’s right knee was fallen into during a drive, and she exited the game. ESPN and CBS Sports reported she would have an MRI to determine severity; no timetable has been announced yet. This knee issue is separate from her prior ankle problem.

What It Means for Indiana (Ankle Context Included)?

Indiana had already navigated long stretches without key guards this season. With Cunningham’s ankle no longer the limiting factor, her knee evaluation becomes the pivot point for how the Fever manage minutes and spacing on the wing moving forward. Until the knee results are known, there’s no new restriction tied to the ankle itself.

Outlook & Practical Takeaways

Short Term (Next 1–2 Weeks)

• Ankle: No new limitations reported since mid-June return.
• Knee: Await results to determine availability; team had no immediate diagnosis postgame.

Medium Term (Remainder of Regular Season)

• If the knee allows, expect Indiana to keep leveraging Cunningham’s spot-up shooting and physical perimeter defense, the exact strengths that made her valuable once the ankle settled down.

Quick FAQ

Is Sophie Cunningham still dealing with the ankle injury?

No, not actively. The right ankle sprain that sidelined her in May was managed, and she returned June 13–14. Since then, the ankle has not been cited as the reason for any recent absence. SI

Why did she leave the August 17 game?

She exited due to a right knee injury after contact in the lane; an MRI was scheduled to determine next steps.

Final Word

If you’re tracking Sophie Cunningham’s ankle, the news is encouraging: she worked through it, returned mid-June, and performed well. The current watch item is her right knee, not the ankle. As soon as the team shares MRI results, we’ll know how it affects her availability—and Indiana’s stretch-run rotations—going forward.