Celtics Star Tatum Nears Return After Achilles Injury

Jayson Tatum has reached a key milestone in his recovery, participating in full five-on-five scrimmages with the team.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 1:49am

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Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum has made significant progress in his recovery from a torn right Achilles tendon suffered in the playoffs last season. Tatum has been cleared to participate in full five-on-five scrimmages with the team, a major milestone in his return to the court. The six-time All-Star has been working his way back and was recently assigned to the team's G League affiliate to get on-court reps. Tatum has stated he won't return until he's 100% ready, but this latest update suggests he's nearing a full return to the Celtics lineup.

Why it matters

Tatum's return will be a huge boost for the Celtics, who are currently the second seed in the Eastern Conference despite his absence. His co-star Jaylen Brown has stepped up in a big way, but getting Tatum back will give Boston an even more formidable duo as they aim to make a deep playoff run.

The details

Tatum suffered the Achilles injury in the fourth game of the Celtics' Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Knicks last season. Most players take a significant amount of time to recover from such an injury, but Tatum has made faster-than-expected progress. He was recently cleared to practice with the team's G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, to get game reps. Now, the 27-year-old has reached the milestone of participating in full five-on-five scrimmages with the NBA squad, a major step in his recovery.

  • Tatum suffered the Achilles injury in the fourth game of the Celtics' Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Knicks last season.
  • In early February, Tatum was cleared to practice with the Maine Celtics, Boston's G League affiliate.
  • On a recent episode of ESPN's NBA Today, Shams Charania revealed that Tatum has been a full participant in five-on-five scrimmages with the Celtics.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A six-time NBA All-Star and the Boston Celtics' franchise player, who is recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon suffered in the playoffs last season.

Jaylen Brown

Tatum's co-star on the Celtics, who has stepped up in a big way during Tatum's absence, averaging 29.2 points and 7 rebounds per game.

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What they’re saying

“What I can tell you, though, is that Jayson Tatum has been a full go in five-on-five scrimmages with the Celtics. And right now, it's about him continuing to put in the time, continuing to get his conditioning up.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider (ESPN)

“I wouldn't make my return until I'm 100 percent ready.”

— Jayson Tatum (Celtics Media Day)

What’s next

The Celtics will continue to monitor Tatum's progress and conditioning as he works towards a full return to the lineup. The team and Tatum have both emphasized that he won't return until he's 100% ready, so there is no set timeline for his return to game action.

The takeaway

Tatum's recovery from a serious Achilles injury has been faster than expected, and his ability to participate in full five-on-five scrimmages is a very positive sign for the Celtics. Getting their star player back at full strength will be a huge boost as Boston aims to make a deep playoff run, especially with Jaylen Brown's emergence as an All-Star-caliber player in Tatum's absence.