Brittney Griner (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Phoenix Mercury superstar Brittney Griner won’t get to start the 2024 WNBA season with her teammates as she has sustained an injury ahead of Tuesday’s opener.

The team revealed on Monday night that the center will miss several weeks with a fractured left toe.

“Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner has sustained a toe fracture on her left foot. Griner will be out and re-evaluated in the coming weeks. Updates will be provided as appropriate,” Phoenix announced via social media.

The Mercury did not say when Griner suffered the injury, but she should be out for at least a few weeks and will not be in the lineup against the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday night.

Brittney Griner Missed The Phoenix Mercury’s Most Recent Preseason Fixture

Griner played 15 minutes in the team’s preseason opener against the Seattle Storm last Tuesday, scoring five points and adding four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in an 85-59 defeat. However, she did not play against the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday.

Griner made 31 appearances last season after missing the entire 2022 season while in a Russian prison. She averaged 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, earning a ninth All-Star call-up.

The Mercury went a dismal 9-31, missing the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. They will want to return to postseason play at the earliest opportunity, but Griner’s absence should prove a significant setback.

Meanwhile, Brittney Griner has detailed her harrowing experience in Russia in a recent exclusive interview with ABC. She also released a new book called ‘Coming Home’ last week.