Sports

Chicago Sky Announce Roster Decision Hours Before Toronto Tempo Game

Tyler Marsh and the Chicago Sky are dealing with a wave of injuries early into the 2026 WNBA season. Chicago's leading scorer Rickea Jackson (18.0 points per game) suffered a season-ending torn ACL in her left knee on May 17 against the Minnesota Lynx, and its fourth leading scorer Gabriela Jaquez is out for Wednesday's game against the Toronto Tempo with a left knee injury.

On Wednesday, just hours before their game against Toronto, the Sky announced they signed guard Saylor Poffenbarger. Poffenbarger was signed to a hardship contract, which is a temporary roster exception that teams are allowed when they lack the players available for the game.

 Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson (5) Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson (5) Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

After a college career in which Poffenbarger jumped from the Connecticut Huskies to the Arkansas Razorbacks and ended with the Maryland Terrapins, Poffenbarger went undrafted in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The 6-foot-2 guard was signed by the Lynx for a training camp contract where she appeared in three preseason games.

The Maryland native averaged 5.7 points per game, 6.0 rebounds, and a block in her preseason stint. The Middletown high school graduate had her best game on April 25 in a 77-66 win against the Washington Mystic, where she scored nine points and had 13 rebounds, an assist, block, and a steal in 26 minutes of action. Poffenbarger is eager to prove herself in the WNBA, and hopes to receive playing time in Wednesday's matchup.

"welcome to the Chi, Saylor! ," the Sky wrote on X. "We've signed Saylor Poffenbarger to a hardship contract, and she will be available for tonight's game."

Chicago Sky will host Toronto Tempo at Wintrust Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

Related: Connecticut Sun Announce Unfortunate Brittney Griner News on Wednesday

Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 3:21 PM.

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