In a major setback for the Chicago Sky’s offseason overhaul, newly signed guard DiJonai Carrington has failed her pre-season physical after an MRI scan revealed lingering concerns related to her history of ACL injuries, forcing the team to place the signing on hold.
Carrington, who inked a one-year, $650,000 deal with the Sky on April 12, arrived in Chicago last week for routine medical evaluations. Sources indicate that while the primary issue stemmed from her recent left mid-foot sprain recovery and hardware removal surgery, the scan also flagged scar tissue and stability questions around both knees—echoing the two ACL tears she suffered in high school and multiple subsequent knee procedures.
The 28-year-old Baylor product has long been celebrated for her resilience, having overcome six knee surgeries before age 25, including repairs for a ruptured patellar tendon. She earned 2024 Most Improved Player honors and All-Defensive First Team nods despite the physical toll. However, her 2025 season ended prematurely with the Minnesota Lynx due to the significant foot injury sustained in the playoffs.
Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca released a measured statement: “DiJonai’s health and long-term well-being are our top priorities. We are working closely with her medical team to assess the best path forward. For now, we have paused the contract activation pending further evaluation.” The team declined to comment on whether the deal could still be salvaged or if it might be voided entirely.
This development comes as a blow to Chicago fans excited about the Sky’s revamped roster, which includes Skylar Diggins-Smith, Courtney Vandersloot, Rickea Jackson, and Azurá Stevens. Carrington was expected to add elite perimeter defense and versatility to a backcourt already undergoing significant reconstruction after a tough 2025 campaign.
Insiders suggest the failed physical highlights the risks involved when signing players with extensive injury histories in a league where physical demands are sky-high. Carrington has remained silent on social media since the signing announcement, though her representatives expressed optimism that she could still contribute later in the season if cleared.
League observers note this could open opportunities for the Sky to pursue other defensive wings or adjust their rotation internally. For Carrington, a player known for her tenacity and motor, the latest hurdle adds another chapter to her remarkable comeback story.
As training camp intensifies ahead of the April 25 season opener against the Phoenix Mercury, Skytown holds its breath. Will DiJonai Carrington suit up in Sky blue, or will this medical red flag redirect both her career and Chicago’s ambitious plans?
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