Morgan Weaver Cleared to Make Thorns Return After Long Injury Battle

FolioPitch.com – 24 July 2026 | The Portland Thorns have received a major boost with the news that forward Morgan Weaver has been cleared to make her return to the pitch. The club announced Thursday that Morgan Weaver cleared to make Thorns return for their upcoming match against Gotham FC on July 24. Weaver had been sidelined since the 2025 preseason after reinjuring her right knee, a setback that added to an already challenging recovery process.

Weaver’s journey back to fitness has been arduous. The 28-year-old initially underwent arthroscopic surgery on her right knee in May 2024 but managed to return to action that September. However, ahead of the 2025 season, she suffered a reinjury to the same knee. In a social media post at the time, Weaver revealed that her knee had never fully healed from the previous injury, forcing her to restart the rehabilitation process for her meniscus. Now, after months of careful recovery and training, Morgan Weaver cleared to make Thorns return, giving the team a much-needed offensive weapon.

The forward’s return comes at a crucial juncture for Portland. The Thorns have been battling for playoff positioning, and Weaver’s presence in the attacking third could provide a spark. Over her career in Portland, Weaver has scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists in 105 appearances across all NWSL competitions. She played a key role in the club’s 2022 NWSL Championship and 2021 NWSL Shield triumphs. Her ability to stretch defenses and finish chances has made her a fan favorite and a reliable contributor.

Coach Mike Norris expressed optimism about Weaver’s availability. “Having Morgan back is a huge lift for the group. She’s worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and we’re excited to have her options again,” he said in a statement. The Thorns host Gotham FC on Friday, and Weaver is expected to be available for selection. However, the coaching staff is likely to manage her minutes carefully given the extended layoff.

Weaver’s return also highlights the broader issue of knee injuries in women’s soccer. The NWSL has seen several high-profile players miss significant time due to ACL and meniscus issues. Weaver’s case, involving a meniscus injury that required multiple rehab cycles, underscores the complexity of such injuries. Her successful return could serve as an inspiration for others facing similar setbacks.

As the Thorns prepare for the stretch run of the season, Morgan Weaver cleared to make Thorns return offers a timely boost. The team has relied on a balanced attack, but Weaver’s creativity and goal-scoring instincts add a new dimension. Fans will be eager to see if she can recapture her pre-injury form and help Portland make a deep playoff push.

With her clearance, the Thorns now have a deeper bench and more tactical flexibility. Weaver’s ability to play as a central striker or out wide gives Norris options. The upcoming match against Gotham FC will be a test, but for now, the news of Morgan Weaver cleared to make Thorns return is a positive development for the entire organization.