Chicago Sky Announce Decision on DiJonai Carrington After World Cup Break

The Chicago Sky return to WNBA action Thursday after the league paused for the FIBA Women’s World Cup, with just four regular-season games remaining on their schedule. Chicago enters the final stretch at 15-25 and will host the Washington Mystics at Wintrust Arena.

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DiJonai Carrington was acquired by the Sky to be an important part of the team’s rotation before the start of the 2026 season. The veteran guard-forward arrived in Chicago after spending last season with the Dallas Wings and Minnesota Lynx, following four seasons with the Connecticut Sun. She was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player in 2024 and earned All-Defensive First Team honors that season.

Chicago will be without Carrington when it faces Washington. The Sky have ruled her out for Thursday’s game because of a foot injury, according to the . The decision keeps Carrington sidelined as Chicago begins its final four-game stretch of the regular season.

Carrington was seen practicing with the rest of the team on Wednesday, but won’t be fit in time to suit up for the game.

DiJonai Carrington showing off her core strength after today’s practice. #Skytownpic.twitter.com/AjH1bA0yyQ

— Chicago State of Mind Sports (@ChiStateOfMind_) September 16, 2026

The injury has already kept Carrington out of action much of the season. She missed 27 consecutive games to start the year also dealt after undergoing surgery in April before returning to the court in July. She dealt with the issue during the final games before the World Cup break and was ruled out of Chicago’s Aug. 29 matchup with the New York Liberty.

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Carrington’s absence leaves more responsibility for the rest of Chicago’s backcourt. Natasha Cloud is also listed as questionable for Thursday’s game, giving the Sky another important status to monitor before facing the Mystics. The veteran guard has averaged 11.3 points, 5.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals in her first season with Chicago.

The Sky also remain without Skylar Diggins, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Rickea Jackson is also rehabbing after suffering a torn ACL in May. Chicago will therefore have a short-handed group available as it tries to finish the season on a positive note.

Thursday’s matchup gives Chicago another opportunity to test its depth against a Washington team that enters at 24-16 and has already secured a playoff position. The Mystics and Sky are scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET.

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This story was originally published September 16, 2026 at 6:14 PM.