Will Jayson Tatum Return from Achilles Injury This Season? Latest Update on Celtics SF

An update on Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum's potential return from a torn Achilles during the 2025-26 season was provided by NBA insider Chris Haynes on Wednesday.

"Based off of what he texts me, I think we will see him at some point during the regular season," Haynes said during an appearance on The Association. "He told me he's working out three times per week, 45-minute sessions. He said he's 23 weeks out from when he underwent surgery and he's feeling good."

"I said, 'So you're really trying to come back this season?' And basically he was like, 'I'm not putting in all this work for nothing,'" he added.

Tatum suffered the injury in Game 4 of Boston's second-round playoff matchup with the New York Knicks last season.

Tatum's exact recovery timeline is unknown, although ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Celtics were "cautiously optimistic" he'd be able to suit up at some point during the current season on Oct. 9.

The six-time All-Star appears to be making consistent progress in his rehab, posting a video of his return to the court on Sept. 27.

Tatum also showed himself throwing down a two-handed dunk in an Oct. 9 post on X.

While the Celtics obviously want to be cautious with the 27-year-old's recovery, his presence on the floor is crucial for their overall success.

Tatum was stellar once again during the 2024-25 season, averaging 26.8 points and 8.7 rebounds to go along with a career-high 6.0 assists per game. He shot 45.2 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from behind the arc.

As Boston navigates through the start of its 2025-26 campaign without Tatum, Jaylen Brown will continue to serve as the team's top offensive option.