Many teams are looking to make a huge impact in the 2026 season, but the Minnesota Lynx is facing another issue. After Napheesa Collier’s injury delayed the team leader’s return to action, DiJonai Carrington is also looking to get back on her feet with another surgery. The player missed the late phase of the 2025 season, and there is no confirmed date of her return.
While Collier provided an update on her injury, according to the recent update, Carrington will undergo surgery to fast-track her recovery. Fans react to the same news with multiple questions.
Fans React To DiJonai Carrington’s Injury
Moving from the bottom side, Wings, to a top seed Lynx was a massive upgrade for the former Baylor star. But after just 11 games, the player suffered a leg injury that kept her out of action.
Recent news showed that the player will undergo surgery to remove hardware from her leg. But there is no definite timetable for her return.
DiJonai Carrington without timetable for return after undergoing procedure to remove hardware from foot, per @AnnieCostabile.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) April 20, 2026
The news confused fans, who asked for more explanation in comments and also hoped for her quick recovery.
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A fan wrote, “What hardware? is this a new injury?”
What hardware? is this a new injury?😞
— Moe (@MGoudette) April 20, 2026
One fan added, “Hope she has a quick recovery as I’d love to see how she pairs with Rickea and Sky.”
Hope she has a quick recovery as I’d love to see how she pairs with Rickea and Sky
— Cloud (@maestroxv_) April 20, 2026
Another fan mentioned, “Praying on a speedy and full recovery for her. She’s a beast.”
Praying on a speedy and full recovery for her. She’s a beast ♥️🏀🔥
— Angel (@adcallday) April 20, 2026
One fan said, “? What kind of hardware.”
? What kind of hardware
— ً (@nolimit__EV) April 20, 2026
Another fan commented, “Health first and take care of your body.”
Super teams are falling before the season even begins. Health first and take care of your body.
— WNBA Update Central (@Update_Centrals) April 20, 2026
Natasha Cloud is one of the high-profile free agents still in the market, and Carrington is also a player to watch if she returns to full fitness. But the injury has certainly impacted the 2024 Most Improved Player’s career.
DiJonai Carrington’s Struggling Period Is Impacting Her Career
Following a stellar 2024 season, the former Sun star suffered a significant mid-left foot sprain in September 2025 during the WNBA playoffs. The injury forced her out of the remainder of that postseason, abruptly halting her impact on her 2025 team. After undergoing an initial surgery to address the issue, she continued to experience complications, leading to a follow-up, minor procedure in April 2026 to remove hardware from the left foot.
BREAKING: DiJonai Carrington has been named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player! ✨ #WNBA pic.twitter.com/unVcx63zvI
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) September 25, 2024
This extended recovery forced her to miss the 2026 3×3 league season and raised questions about her readiness for the 2026 WNBA season with a new team. While DiJonai Carrington was ruled out for the start of the 2026 training camp, reports suggest she will arrive soon to continue her rehab, with hopes of contributing later in the season.