Every season brings its share of surprises, and for the Washington Mystics, the 2026 campaign is starting with an unexpected challenge. Rookie forward Cotie McMahon, the team's 11th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, will miss at least the first week of the season due to a partial UCL tear in her left elbow. The injury occurred during a preseason matchup against the Atlanta Dream on May 3, and the team announced Thursday that she will be re-evaluated in a week.

McMahon, who starred at Ole Miss before entering the league, had been turning heads in preseason action. Starting both exhibition games, she averaged 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game—a promising glimpse of what she could bring to the floor. Her absence, even if short, will test the Mystics' depth right out of the gate.

Washington opens its 2026 season on Friday with a road game against the Toronto Tempo. If McMahon's re-evaluation goes well and she can return immediately, she'll miss just the first two games. If not, the team will at least have a clearer timeline for her comeback.

In the meantime, the Mystics are looking to their bench to fill the gap. Forwards Angela Dugalić and Kiki Iriafen are the most likely candidates to see increased minutes. With solid depth at both forward and center, Washington has options to keep the rotation moving while their rookie recovers. It's an early test of resilience, but one the Mystics are ready to face.