After more than three months sidelined by injury, guard DiJonai Carrington is set to make her long-anticipated debut with the Chicago Sky. Carrington missed the first 27 games of the 2026 WNBA season while recovering from a left foot sprain sustained during the 2025 playoffs. The injury, which carried over into free agency, required two surgeries—an initial operation in October followed by a procedure in April to remove hardware from her foot—alongside a three-month rehabilitation period.
Carrington returned to full practice earlier this week and was confirmed as a game-day decision ahead of the Sky’s Thursday matchup against the Connecticut Sun at Wintrust Arena. Her return marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the team as the Sky begin a five-game homestand following the All-Star break, providing a favorable environment for reintegrating key players.
Throughout her recovery, Carrington faced additional challenges due to the Sky’s delayed training facility, which was expected to open in Bedford Park but will not be operational this season. In its absence, the team has conducted training sessions at multiple locations, including the University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University, and Wintrust Arena, making consistent access to rehabilitation resources difficult. Carrington described the lack of a permanent facility as a “tough” obstacle but emphasized personal accountability and adaptability, refusing to blame external factors for her progress.
The Sky signed Carrington to a one-year contract with the understanding that she would likely miss the first half of the season. Her return aligns with a team still navigating the aftermath of multiple injuries. Alongside Carrington, point guard Courtney Vandersloot and forward Azurá Stevens also began the season on the sidelines, with Stevens returning in May and Vandersloot in June. Vandersloot’s comeback saw veteran Skylar Diggins moved out of the starting lineup, and Diggins has yet to return to the court due to a knee injury.
Head coach Tyler Marsh acknowledged the complexities involved in assimilating Carrington back into a crowded backcourt but expressed confidence in the team’s flexibility and unselfish approach. Marsh emphasized the organization’s awareness of Carrington’s value and their readiness to adjust minutes and roles as needed.
Carrington herself expressed a mix of eagerness and measured confidence ahead of her return, citing her familiarity with teammates such as Natasha Cloud and Vandersloot from offseason leagues like Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled. While she acknowledged a degree of anxiety before returning to play, she remained resolute and ready to contribute.
“When I feel good, I’m not ducking no smoke,” Carrington said. “I’m going to get back out there.”