The Chicago Sky have been failing at their rebuilding plans this season, especially since the Olympic break. While their new head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, did her best, the team started faltering. Firstly, their main offensive player Chennedy Carter had to sit out for four games due to a COVID-19 scare. Then, their main defensive star Angel Reese suffered a season-ending wrist injury, and if that wasn’t enough, the Sky’s coach T-Spoon has another disheartening news for their followers.

The Sky will be going up against the Washington Mystics in an attempt to secure the last remaining spot for the playoffs. However, an unexpected setback at this crucial juncture has all the Windy City loyalists re-contemplating their path to the elimination series.

Diamond DeShields suffers an unexpected injury

According to the latest tweet by Annie Costabile, Weatherspoon came to the fore to reveal that their star Diamond DeShields won’t be available for the next game against the Mystics on Tuesday due to an untimely sprained ankle. DeShields was one of their primary player who had started in 10 of the 32 games she has played.

The 29-year-old recently made highlights when she pushed Caitlin Clark during their final season matchup with the Fever. But time and again, she has proven her worth as one of the veteran players for the Sky franchise. Though her averages are not the best, she has stepped up as the fourth/fifth player whenever the situation has demanded.

However, the latest update has somewhat demoralized the Chicago fans who would be hoping that the Sky emerge victorious in their next game. There are also murmurs that the team might apply for a temporary hardship.

How will Chicago move past their injury-laden roster?

Though T-Spoon didn’t comment on the Sky’s plans, as per the fans, there are chances that they might apply for temporary hardship. A temporary hardship is a interim roster spot given to a team that has four or more players sick/injured for more than four weeks. Previously, Carter was down due to COVID-19 and had to miss four games.

As of now, Reese has had a season-ending injury. To aggravate the matters, Weatherspoon has given no time for the shooting guard’s return, and their center Elizabeth Williams has already undergone surgery to repair a torn meniscus and will be out for the entire season. Therefore, depending on the Florida-native’s recovery, Sky might apply for a temporary hardship program. Although, as per the tweet by Chicago Tribune writer Julia Poe, Weatherspoon has declined to comment on the same for now.

Hopefully, the Sky will find an able replacement for the UNC alum, who can help them win the game against the Mystics. As for now, Reese and DeShields can only cheer for their team from the sidelines and hope for the best.