MRI reveals no damage for Fever F Catchings

Jul 18, 2008 - 12:20 AM INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- An MRI on Thursday revealed no damage to the right heel of Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings, who was injured in Wednesday's 81-77 loss to the Atlanta Dream.

Test results indicated only a bruise, with no further damage to her right Achilles that was surgically repaired last September.

Catchings, who has been cleared to play as pain permits, did not practice with the team Thursday and is listed as questionable for Friday's game vs. the Seattle Storm.

The five-time All-Star was kicked in the right heel with 6:46 remaining in Wednesday's loss to the Dream, left the game immediately and did not return. She was evaluated Thursday for a possible strain to the right Achilles but was assured of no further damage by Dr. Dan Lehman, who also performed her surgery in September.

After nine months of rehabilitation, Catchings returned to the court on June 15 and has appeared in 12 games this season. She put forth her best performance of the campaign prior to her injury Wednesday, collecting 18 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block.

She was named to the United States Olympic women's basketball team on July 10 and should be healthy enough to compete in next month's Games.