Gordon Hayward Performs the PACER Test in Injury Rehab on Video

Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward's recovery appears to have reached the light running stage.

The Players' Tribune posted a video of Hayward going through the PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) test, a cardio exercise that gets progressively more difficult:

Hayward, 28, is in the midst of recovering from a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia he suffered in an opening-night loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is the first video evidence of him doing any cardiovascular training, which likely means he's progressing as expected.

Hayward previously shared videos of him shooting around, both in chairs and standing stationary, but the Celtics have been understandably cautious with his rehab. Celtics coach Brad Stevens has ruled out Hayward playing at all this season on multiple occasions.

While Hayward himself has been more publicly optimistic, his gait is not of someone who is remotely prepared for the rigors of NBA playoff basketball. That said, him getting back to running is a literal first step toward him being available opening night next season.