DiJonai Carrington’s offseason plans have been derailed once again. Unrivaled announced Friday that the Minnesota Lynx guard will miss the league’s second season as she continues to recover from a left foot sprain sustained during the 2025 WNBA playoffs.

The injury, suffered in Minnesota’s first-round series against the Golden State Valkyries, kept Carrington sidelined for the remainder of the postseason and will now extend into 2026.

Carrington, who played for the Mist in Unrivaled’s inaugural season, had been expected to return to the 3-on-3 league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Instead, she’ll focus on completing her rehabilitation from a surgery that has slowed her recovery timeline.

The setback marks yet another chapter in Carrington’s long battle with injuries. By age 25, she has endured six knee surgeries, torn both ACLs, and overcome multiple setbacks dating back to her high school days. Despite those challenges, she has remained a tenacious presence in the WNBA — known for her physical defense, slashing drives, and energy off the bench.

Carrington averaged 9.8 points, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks per game during the 2025 season, splitting time between the Dallas Wings and the Lynx. She transitioned from a starting role in Dallas to a key rotation player in Minnesota, helping stabilize a team that relied heavily on its defensive identity.

Her injury occurred at a pivotal time, with Carrington set to enter free agency this offseason amid looming CBA negotiations that could reshape WNBA salaries and roster structures. The decision to prioritize recovery likely reflects both the severity of the foot injury and the potential financial stakes ahead.

In an interview earlier this month with TMZ, Carrington acknowledged the frustration of another extended recovery but hinted at new ways to stay active off the court.

“Now I’m thinking about how to maximize this next however long I’m not going to be able to play for — something on social media, whether it’s streaming, really tapping into that beauty side, YouTube videos, TikTok, I don’t know yet,” she said.

Carrington did not mention Unrivaled in that interview — a sign, in retrospect, that her focus was already shifting toward rest and rehabilitation.

For Unrivaled, Carrington’s absence removes one of its original faces. She was part of the league’s debut season in 2024, helping establish its tone as a player-driven platform emphasizing individuality and empowerment. Her competitive presence and vocal personality quickly made her a fan favorite.

The second Unrivaled season begins Jan. 5, 2026, featuring several new WNBA standouts and returning veterans. But for Carrington, the priority remains clear — getting healthy and returning to the floor when her body is ready.