Celtics Star Tatum Nears Return from Achilles Injury

Tatum has started controlled five-on-five scrimmages as he works his way back to the court.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 11:47am

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has started controlled five-on-five scrimmages as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles injury sustained last May. While Tatum still has more rehab phases to go through before rejoining the team, the 24-year-old has made clear he wants to return as close to his All-Star form as possible to help the Celtics in their playoff push.

Why it matters

Tatum's return would be a major boost for the Celtics, who have managed to maintain a strong record of 34-18 and the second seed in the Eastern Conference without their franchise superstar. His scoring, rebounding, playmaking and defense have been sorely missed, so his eventual comeback could elevate the Celtics to championship contender status.

The details

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Tatum has aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn and is now participating in controlled five-on-five scrimmages with Celtics coaches. However, Tatum still has more phases of rehab to go through before potentially rejoining the team, and there are also concerns about the normal nerves of coming back from an injury of this magnitude.

  • Tatum suffered the torn Achilles injury in May 2025.
  • Tatum has started controlled five-on-five scrimmages as part of his rehab.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The 24-year-old All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics, who is working his way back from a torn Achilles injury.

Jaylen Brown

Tatum's co-star on the Celtics, who has been having an MVP-caliber season in Tatum's absence.

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What they’re saying

“Sources tell me Jayson Tatum has started controlled five-on-five scrimmaging with coaches. He has aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn...there's more phases in his rehab, he has to practice with his team of course, and then again there's also the normal nerves of coming back from an injury of this magnitude, a torn achilles, in May, to a really good team that has aspirations to advance in the playoffs.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

Tatum must continue progressing through the remaining phases of his rehab before potentially rejoining the Celtics, which includes practicing with the full team. The Celtics will also have to manage Tatum's return and work him back into the lineup carefully to ensure he is fully healthy and ready to contribute at a high level.

The takeaway

Tatum's return from a devastating Achilles injury would be a major boost for the Celtics, who have maintained a strong record in his absence but are still missing their franchise superstar's two-way impact. If Tatum can regain his All-Star form, it could elevate the Celtics into true championship contention in the Eastern Conference.