The Chicago Sky suffered a major setback Tuesday after confirming that forward Rickea Jackson tore the ACL in her left knee and will miss the remainder of the WNBA season.

Jackson was injured during Sunday’s 86-79 victory over the Minnesota Lynx when she planted awkwardly on a drive to the basket in the first half. She later underwent an MRI that revealed the severity of the injury and is expected to have surgery at a later date.

“We’re devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “Rickea was playing at an All-Star and All-Defensive level early in the season. We are certain she was primed for a career year. Our world-class medical staff will work hard with Rickea, who is one of the toughest players in the league, to get her back on the court.”

. Before joining the Sky, Jackson spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks after being selected fourth overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft out of Tennessee. She arrived in Chicago in an April trade involving two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins. Across 82 career WNBA games, Jackson has averaged 14.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest while also earning All-Rookie honors during her debut season.

The 25-year-old had emerged as Chicago’s top scorer early this season, averaging 18.0 points along with 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 blocks per game — all career bests. But Jackson’s injury further complicates an already difficult health situation for the Sky. Azura Stevens, DiJonai Carrington and Courtney Vandersloot have yet to appear this season because of injuries, while Skylar Diggins missed Sunday’s game with an eye issue, though coach Tyler Marsh expects her return soon.

Editorial credit: Shutterstock AI Generated Image