Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Advances Achilles Rehab, Return Timeline Uncertain

Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics' star forward, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the 2025 playoffs and is currently undergoing a rigorous rehab process. Though he has recently been taken out of his walking boot and is training six days a week, medical experts and team officials agree that his return to full strength will likely take at least 8 to 12 months, making a mid-season comeback uncertain. Tatum described the initial six weeks of recovery as the toughest period of his life but remains resilient and focused on regaining his previous form. His injury significantly impacts the Celtics' outlook for the 2025-26 season, with Jaylen Brown expected to lead the team offensively in Tatum's absence. Boston’s win projections and playoff positioning are expected to decline, opening the door for Eastern Conference rivals like the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers to contend more strongly. Celtics management has refrained from setting a definitive timeline for Tatum’s return, emphasizing a cautious approach dependent on his progress.