Celtics' Tatum Nears Return From Achilles Injury

All-Star forward making progress in rehab, but return timeline still uncertain

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is making progress in his recovery from a torn right Achilles tendon suffered in last season's playoffs, recently participating in five-on-five drills with the team's G-League affiliate. However, NBA insider Shams Charania cautioned that Tatum still has several hurdles to clear before being cleared to return to the Celtics' rotation.

Why it matters

Tatum's return would be a major boost for the Celtics, who have remained in contention in the Eastern Conference despite his absence thanks to the stellar play of Jaylen Brown. However, the timeline for Tatum's return remains uncertain as the team and medical staff carefully monitor his recovery.

The details

Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon during last season's playoffs against the New York Knicks, an injury that often requires a full season of recovery. While Tatum has progressed to participating in five-on-five drills with the Maine Celtics, Charania noted that the team will take a cautious approach, requiring Tatum to check several boxes before being cleared to return to the NBA roster.

  • Tatum suffered the Achilles injury during the 2025 NBA playoffs.
  • Tatum recently practiced in five-on-five activities with the Maine Celtics G-League team.

The players

Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics star forward who is recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon.

Jaylen Brown

Celtics' designated second scoring option who has stepped up in Tatum's absence, making his fifth All-Star team and being mentioned in MVP conversations.

Ron Harper

Maine Celtics point guard who praised Tatum's performance in five-on-five drills, saying "He looked like Jayson Tatum."

Shams Charania

NBA insider who cautioned that Tatum still has several hurdles to clear before being cleared to return to the Celtics' rotation.

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What they’re saying

“He looked like Jayson Tatum. I'll say that much”

— Ron Harper, Maine Celtics point guard

“There are still boxes for Jayson Tatum to check. And at the end of all this, there's going to be about a dozen people gathering and deciding and determining whether Jayson Tatum is 100% cleared medically and 100% cleared on a mental level.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

What’s next

The Celtics and Tatum's medical team will continue to monitor his progress and determine when he is fully cleared to return to the NBA roster.

The takeaway

Tatum's return would be a major boost for the Celtics, but the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure he is fully recovered both physically and mentally before rejoining the lineup. Jaylen Brown has stepped up in Tatum's absence, but the Celtics will be eager to get their star forward back on the court as they push for another championship.