Jayson Tatum participated in scrimmages with the Boston Celtics on Saturday, marking a significant step in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in May 2025, according to reports and team social media posts. The six-time All-Star, who underwent surgery approximately 40 weeks ago, remains cautious about setting a firm return date.
“I do not have a date,” Tatum told reporters Saturday. “I just take it one day at a time. I sense better than I did yesterday. That’s what is most important.”
The injury occurred during Game 4 of Boston’s second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, leading to a period of self-doubt for the forward, as he revealed on “The Pivot Podcast.” Tatum initially feared his career might be irrevocably altered, a sentiment he described as difficult to admit given his lifelong confidence.
Prior to Saturday’s scrimmage, Tatum had been practicing with the Maine Celtics, the team’s G League affiliate, on February 9th. A teammate reportedly observed that Tatum “looked like himself” during those sessions. He was subsequently assigned to and then recalled from the Maine Celtics, a move designed to gradually increase his workload.
Whereas Tatum’s return is not yet guaranteed this season, the progress is notable. He had previously begun “controlled five-on-five scrimmaging with coaches” earlier this month, according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania. Tatum has emphasized his desire to return at full strength, stating he doesn’t desire to be “a shell of himself” or a diminished player.
The Celtics currently hold the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 35-19 record as of February 22, 2026. Tatum’s potential return would add another dimension to a team that has already exceeded expectations this season. Last season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and a career-high 6.0 assists per game, shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three-point range.
Despite the positive developments, Tatum has not made a definitive decision regarding a return during the current 2025-26 season, as he told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. The team is prioritizing a thorough recovery to ensure he is fully prepared before rejoining the lineup.
The Celtics are scheduled to play the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. ET.
