MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced forward Jessica Shepard has been cleared to return and in a subsequent move, released forward Emily Engstler from her hardship contract.
Shepard, a 6-4 forward, returns to play after being ruled out since June 15 with a non-COVID illness. Prior to her injury, Shepard played in nine games (all starts) this season, averaging 9.3 points, a team-high 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 33.0 minutes of play.
In 10 games with the Lynx, Engstler, a 6-1 forward, averaged 1.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 0.3 steals in 7.6 minutes per game for Minnesota. In her best contest this season on July 12 against Dallas, Engstler tallied a season-high nine points on 4-of-4 from the field and 1-of-1 from the three-point line. She added five rebounds and one steal in 15:58 minutes of play from the bench.
Shepard is listed as probable coming into tonight’s game against the Washington Mystics. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT and will air on Bally Sports North.