Celtics' Jayson Tatum Shares Emotional Message Amid Injury Return Rumors

Boston Celtics star provides update on his recovery from torn Achilles injury.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, who tore his Achilles during the playoffs last May, has shared an emotional update on his recovery progress. Tatum is now 40 weeks into his rehab and says he's been appreciating the journey and giving himself credit for showing up every day. ESPN's Shams Charania also provided an update, noting Tatum is taking the necessary steps toward an eventual return, though there are still more boxes for him to check before rejoining the team.

Why it matters

Tatum's return will be a major boost for the Celtics, who have stayed competitive in his absence but are still chasing the top spot in the Eastern Conference. His recovery from a serious Achilles injury is being closely watched, as the timeline and process for players to return from such injuries can vary greatly.

The details

Tatum tore his Achilles during Game 4 of the Celtics' playoff series against the New York Knicks last May. He is now 40 weeks into his recovery process, which he says he's been appreciating and taking the time to give himself credit for his hard work. ESPN's Shams Charania provided an update, noting Tatum is progressing well but still has more steps to take, including practicing with the team, before he can return to game action.

  • Tatum tore his Achilles during Game 4 of the Celtics' playoff series against the Knicks in May 2025.
  • Tatum is now 40 weeks into his recovery process as of February 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics superstar who tore his Achilles during the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Jaylen Brown

Boston Celtics All-Star who has helped the team stay competitive in Tatum's absence.

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What they’re saying

“40 weeks🙏🏽 I've really grown to appreciate this journey I've been on and allow time for me to pat myself on the back for showing up everyday!”

— Jayson Tatum (Twitter)

“He has aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn. And listen, there are more boxes for Jayson Tatum to check. There are more phases in his rehab; he's gotta practice with the team, of course. And then, again, there are 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 for potentially advancing in the playoffs.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

Tatum will need to continue progressing through the final phases of his rehab, including practicing with the Celtics team, before he can be cleared to return to game action.

The takeaway

Tatum's emotional update on his recovery journey shows the mental and physical challenges of coming back from a major injury like a torn Achilles. His return will be a major boost for the Celtics, who have stayed competitive in his absence but are still chasing the top spot in the East.