Boston Celtics
Tatum has not played since rupturing his Achilles tendon in 2025.
Jayson Tatum Celtics Injury Update
Jayson Tatum applauds at TD Garden earlier in Marrch, 2026. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
By Hayden Bird
March 6, 2026 | 2:03 PM
1 minute to read
The Celtics officially posted the update on Friday that fans have been waiting for all season: Jayson Tatum is available.
The 28-year-old, who has been out since rupturing his Achilles tendon during the 2025 playoffs, was initially ruled as “questionable” on Thursday. It was the first major hint that the superstar would be making his return soon, as he had previously only been listed as “Out.”
With the subsequent update on Friday — Boston listed him as “AVAILABLE” — Tatum’s path back to the parquet is open.
Boston is currently 41-21 and sit second in the Eastern Conference, far ahead of where preseason expectations projected them to be given Tatum’s absence (and a retooled roster).
Advertisement:
Exactly what Tatum will be allowed to do in terms of minutes remains to be seen. It’s one of several questions facing Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla and team leadership. What level Tatum is able to play is another topic, as well as how the rest of the roster will be reorganized to make room for the team’s former leading scorer.
The Celtics tip off against the Mavericks tonight at TD Garden at 7 p.m. in a rematch of the 2024 NBA Finals.
What do you expect from Jayson Tatum in his return?
Hayden Bird
Sports Staff
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.