Jayson Tatum's first on-court workout since tearing his Achilles in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden was eye-popping. To see what he could do at this stage in the rehab process was most impressive. Paired with his media tour leading up to media day, it sent a clear message: don't forget about me!
Tatum's workout sparked optimism about the possibility that he could return this season. In discussing that prospect in the aftermath of the six-time All-Star's injury, Dr. Kevin Stone, a leading expert in Achilles tendon repair, told this author, "It's not unreasonable to be back next season, and I suspect, knowing what we know about him, that he'll try to do that."
If the Boston Celtics' star forward rejoins the lineup Feb. 13, that would be nine months after his injury. Another potential return date many are eying is Mar. 4 against the Charlotte Hornets. That's the day after Tatum's birthday. It's also at TD Garden, where he said his first game back will take place.
However, the idea of what his timeline might look like recently received a dousing of cold water.
The Celtics and Jayson Tatum will be cautious about his return
In an appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated shared that the four-time All-NBA First Team selection told him his recent on-court workout at the Auerbach Center was "the first time he's felt like a basketball player again."
It was a significant and cathartic step in his road to recovery. However, he and the Celtics will be cautious about when he gets the green light to suit up for the first time since his injury occurred.
Jayson Tatum told @SIChrisMannix that his recent on-court workout at the Auerbach Center was "the first time he's felt like a basketball player again."
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) October 3, 2025
On Tatum's potential timeline to return:
"Nobody up there is stamping the All-Star break or March as a time to bring him… pic.twitter.com/nA0h0wBieO
"Nobody up there is stamping the All-Star break or March as a time to bring him back," said Mannix. "When I talked to people that are close to Tatum and people around the Celtics, they're pumping the brakes pretty hard on the anticipation game because they know this injury is a tricky one. It's a tricky one to fully recover from."
Boston could see significant developments this season that play a meaningful part in the team's return to title contention once Tatum is healthy. However, as far as being a championship contender goes, the upcoming campaign projects to be a gap year.
The primary factor in when the 27-year-old wing returns is being deemed 100 percent healthy. After that, it's ensuring Tatum has had enough on-court work, including playing five-on-five, to feel comfortable and ready to rejoin the lineup.
The Celtics' outlook and the state of the Eastern Conference landscape could also prove relevant factors. Tatum's return could happen this season, but how the team's faring may lead to patience prevailing.