It’s been nine months since Jayson Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon. In May 2025, Tatum sustained an Achilles injury during Game 4 of the NBA playoffs’ second round against the New York Knicks.
Since then, Tatum received immediate medical attention and has undergone a series of recovery phases, from rehabilitation to reworking his game on the hardwood. Recent reports indicate that Tatum has been actively participating in more intense basketball activities, suggesting that his return is approaching. This has led to widespread speculation regarding Tatum’s comeback.
Will Jayson Tatum Suit Up Again This Season? Injury Update and Recovery Status
Throughout February, there have been multiple indications pointing toward Tatum’s return. While neither he nor the Boston Celtics has confirmed anything, Tatum’s most recent media appearance suggested that he could be nearing a comeback.
READ MORE: Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Reveals Gnarly Scar From Achilles Surgery in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
Sports analyst Bill Simmons recently noted that NBC moved the Celtics’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers to a primetime slot on March 1. That date coincides with NBC’s airing of Tatum’s mini‑docuseries about his recovery, titled “The Quiet Work.”
With that in mind, many are theorizing that Tatum will return on March 1. The idea is not implausible. Kobe Bryant returned from an Achilles injury in eight months. With Tatum now in his ninth month of recovery, he may be ready to play.
However, neither Tatum nor the Celtics has confirmed his return. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said he does not intend to rush Tatum’s recovery and will only allow him to play if he is at “110%.”
Tatum himself has expressed concerns about joining the team this late in the season. During Tatum’s absence, the Celtics have remained dominant, with Jaylen Brown serving as their primary star and leader.
Boston currently sits in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 35‑19 record. Brown has carried the load efficiently, averaging 29.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.0 steals.
“The experience has taught me a lot about myself,” Tatum said about his recovery. “Thirty-nine-and-a-half weeks out since surgery, and I can vividly remember being out of surgery, and, you know, not necessarily seeing myself being where I am today.
“So, I’m proud of myself for sticking with it and just literally taking it one day at a time, and that’s what I’mma keep doing going forward. The goal is always to be better than I was last year. Even with the injury, focusing on my game, my body, all those things, I’ll be back and be better.”
READ MORE: Jayson Tatum Makes Bold Promise to Celtics Fans Ahead of Potential Injury Return
Tatum is aware of the potential repercussions of joining the lineup late in the season. The addition of another ball‑dominant star could disrupt the dynamic that the Celtics have established with Brown leading the team.
