Jayson Tatum has made significant progress in his recovery from an Achilles injury, according to a recent report from ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Boston Celtics star has now begun controlled 5-on-5 scrimmaging, marking an advancement from the one-on-one workouts he has been participating in recently.
While this is a promising development in Tatum’s rehabilitation, the exact timeline for his return to game action remains uncertain. Neither Tatum nor the Celtics have provided a specific date. Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, emphasized that Tatum “still has a ways to go” before being ready to play.
Tatum has expressed awareness of the potential challenges of reintegrating into a Celtics team that has been performing well in his absence. There are reports suggesting he is reassessing the possibility of returning this season versus waiting until the 2026-27 season.
Charania observed that Tatum is diligently working through his recovery. “He has aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn,” he noted, while reiterating that Tatum needs to check several boxes before a return, including practicing with the team. Tatum has made it clear that he wants to return at peak performance, not as a diminished version of himself. Importantly, the Celtics’ medical staff must fully clear him before he can take the court, and Tatum needs to feel completely confident in his leg.
Stevens echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the priority is Tatum’s health. “The best time for Jayson Tatum to come back is when he’s 110% healthy,” Stevens said. He reassured that there is no internal pressure for Tatum to rush back, stating they will make decisions based on what’s best for his recovery.
This careful and strategic approach highlights the Celtics’ commitment to ensuring Tatum’s full recovery before he returns to contribute to the team’s aspirations for a deep playoff run, reinforcing the overall health and performance goals for both the player and the franchise.