Boston Celtics Cautiously Optimistic Jayson Tatum May Return 2025-26 Season

Jayson Tatum ruptured his right Achilles in the Celtics’ playoff series against the Knicks in May, an injury that typically costs players a season, but he has shown unusually rapid progress in rehab — posting videos of running, heavy deadlifts, drills and a dunk about 150 days after the injury. Multiple outlets report the Celtics have not ruled out a 2025–26 return and, per ESPN insider Shams Charania, are cautiously optimistic while noting multiple doctors and staffers must clear him and team context (playoff race) will factor into any decision. Tatum himself says he prioritizes a full recovery but hasn’t eliminated the possibility of playing this season, and assistant coach Sam Cassell has praised his work ethic and speedy healing. By contrast, teammates Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered similar Achilles tears, have already been ruled out for 2025–26, making Tatum’s potential early comeback notable and worth monitoring.