Jayson Tatum, Jayson Tatum injury update, Boston Celtics
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Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on from the bench against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on January 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has yet to make a definitive decision about returning from his Achilles injury at some point during the 2025-26 season.
The 6-time All-Star told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne on Wednesday that he’s still weighing his options as he doesn’t want to risk aggravating the injury by returning prematurely — even if he feels physically healthy to return to the court.
Tatum told ESPN that he “wants to get it right the first time, so it’s just a lot to think about,” when asked about his potential return this season.
Jayson Tatum Injury Update
ESPN’s update lines up with Tatum’s recent comments on “The Pivot” podcast, where he expressed concerns about a premature return from an injury that typically sidelines athletes for at least 12 months. Tatum, who tore his Achilles tendon last May, is still only eight months removed from the catastrophic injury
“That’s something I contemplate every day,” Tatum said of a Celtics return. “More so about the team, if or when I do come back this season, they would’ve played 50-some-odd games without me. So they have an identity this year or things that they felt have clicked for them, and it’s been successful, right, third or second team in the East up to this point. So there is a thought in my head that’s like, how does that work or how does that look with me integrating myself off an injury and 50-60 games into a season?”
Tatum admitted that his speedy recovery has given him hope of a return this season, but he’s also aware of the risks if things go south.
“There could obviously be some challenges and it is a thought, like damn? Do I come back or should I wait? It’s something that I honestly, recently in the last two weeks or so, just kind of contemplate every single day.”
Jayson Tatum Urged to Be Cautious
Retired legends such as Vince Carter and Blake Griffin have also advised Tatum to bide his time and not rush his return, even if he feels well enough to return.
“Take your time, young fella,” Carter advised Tatum last week.
“It’s no rush because if you’re going to do this, do it right the first time,” continued the Hall of Famer. “You don’t want to consistently be in and out of the lineup, or something else goes bad. Just do it right the first time.”
For what it’s worth, Celtics GM Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla have repeatedly maintained that Tatum’s return is completely up to him, and that the franchise won’t exert undue pressure on him. Furthermore, Stevens said in December that Tatum would have to meet a long list of strength and conditioning benchmarks before the Celtics would even consider the risk of putting him back on the court.
In Tatum’s absence, the Celtics (29-18) have remained extremely competitive, even though they suffered a 117-106 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Jaylen Brown has emerged as an MVP candidate for the Celtics, averaging a career-high 29.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists from 44 games thus far.