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Chicago Sky suffered a major setback on Tuesday after announcing that third-year forward Rickea Jackson has torn the ACL in her left knee and will miss the rest of the season. The injury is a significant blow both for Jackson, who had begun the season in outstanding form, and for a Sky team that had started strongly with a 3-1 record.
In a statement released by the team, general manager Jeff Pagliocca expressed support for Jackson while praising the impact she had already made.
"We're devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery," Pagliocca said. He added that Jackson had been performing at an All-Star and All-Defensive level and appeared ready for the best season of her career.
Jackson suffered the injury during the Sky's victory over the Minnesota Lynx. Midway through the second quarter, she received a handoff from Natasha Cloud and attacked the basket while defended by Nia Coffey. As Jackson attempted to create space with her shoulder, her left knee gave way beneath her.
She immediately fell to the court and remained there while medical personnel attended to her. After being helped to the locker room, further examinations and an MRI later confirmed the ACL tear.
The incident also sparked frustration from Natasha Cloud, who received a technical foul after arguing with officials during the game. Following the win, Cloud strongly criticized officiating, saying referees had failed in their responsibility to protect players and maintain control of the game.
Jackson entered the season looking to establish herself after joining Chicago from the Los Angeles Sparks during the offseason. Selected fourth overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, she showed flashes of star potential during her time in Los Angeles but was given a fresh opportunity in Chicago to become a leading offensive option.
The early signs suggested she was taking full advantage. In her first three games with the Sky, Jackson averaged 22 points, six rebounds, 2.7 assists and two blocks per game. She also recorded 29 points against the Phoenix Mercury, the second-highest scoring total of her career.
For Chicago, replacing her production will be difficult. The Sky have impressed defensively this season, but offensive consistency had already been a concern. Losing their leading scorer creates another challenge as they attempt to maintain their strong start.