The Dallas Wings have received a mixed bag of injury updates over the past week. Arike Ogunbowale and Natasha Howard both returned from their injury concerns, but Maddy Siegrist suffered a broken left index finger. On Thursday, Siegrist underwent surgery on her broken finger and is expected to miss around eight weeks. The expectation is that Siegrist will return to the Wings after the Olympic break.

The Wings are just 3-11 in 2024. They have dropped nine games in a row as well. Between injuries and underperformance, it has been a difficult start to the 2024 WNBA season for the Wings to say the least.

Dallas is hoping to get healthy and start winning games once again. It just seems like they can't catch a break right now. However, the fact that Howard returned is crucial. Ogunbowale, meanwhile, missed just one game and avoided a lengthy absence. She has played at an All-Star level and Dallas certainly needs her on the floor.

After the news of her surgery was announced, Siegrist shared an uplifting message on her Instagram.

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering , preserve in prayer Romans 12:12, the comeback,” Siegrist wrote.

Ogunbowale commented, “see you soon.”

Satou Sabally, who is also expected to return from injury after the Olympics break, shared a heart on Siegrist's post.

Cameron Brink, who recently suffered a devastating injury of her own, commented, “Much love & prayers.”

A number of other WNBA players also showed their support for Siegrist. The players are competitive on the floor but nobody wants to see another player go down with an injury.

Maddy Siegrist's absence leaves Wings searching for answers

Siegrist has emerged as one of the Wings better scoring options in 2024. She has averaged 14.6 points per game on 52.3 percent field goal shooting through 13 games. Siegrist also recorded 4.2 rebounds per outing.

Siegrist is a 6'1 forward who can provide versatility on both ends of the floor. She is improving as a defender, but finding a way to replace her offensive output will be the primary challenge for head coach Latricia Trammell and the Wings.

Siegrist is second in points per game on the team. Only Arike Ogunbowale is ahead of her, as she has averaged 25.4 points per game.

Teaira McCowan (12.6 PPG) is third for players who have appeared in more than seven games. Monique Billings (11.3 PPG) has been a quality addition for Dallas, checking in at fourth in scoring.

However, Ogunbowale, Siegrist, McCowan, and Billings are the only players who have averaged double-figures in points per game up to this point.

Perhaps Sevgi Uzun will take a step forward. She is averaging just over seven points per game but has displayed promise as a scoring threat. Jacy Sheldon, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, could also be in a position to find more scoring consistency.

But Natasha Howard and Teaira McCowan will be the most important players for the Wings aside from Arike Ogunbowale moving forward. Both Howard and McCowan are capable of protecting the basket and making crucial impacts on the boards while recording respectable scoring numbers.