Mystics' Aaliyah Edwards sidelined two weeks with back contusion

The Washington Mystics are facing a challenging start to their upcoming WNBA season due to key injuries, with forward Aaliyah Edwards sidelined for at least two weeks after sustaining a lower back contusion during training camp. Edwards, who was expected to make a significant impact in her sophomore season after averaging 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds as a rookie, will be reevaluated just before the season opener on May 16. Her absence follows the loss of rookie Georgia Amoore, who tore her ACL and will be out indefinitely, compounding the team's injury woes. Edwards had recently impressed in the Unrivaled League and was seen as a potential breakout star for the rebuilding Mystics. The team may look to rookie Kiki Iriafen to help fill the void left by Edwards, especially if her absence extends into the regular season. These injuries pose early challenges for new head coach Sydney Johnson as he navigates lineup decisions for a team trying to recover from a disappointing 14-26 record last year.