The New England Patriots are conducting joint training sessions with the Washington Commanders this week in preparation for their preseason game on Friday. Among the attendees on Wednesday was Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who attracted attention because he was not wearing a protective boot on his foot following his recent Achilles injury. This sighting has raised hopes among Celtics fans about his recovery progress.
Tatum’s presence at the practice did not go unnoticed by the Patriots’ supporters, who quickly recognized the Celtics forward.
Celtics star Jayson Tatum just walked on the field for Patriots practice. “Even though you’re injured, you’re the GOAT,” a fan yells from the sideline.— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) August 6, 2025
Connections Between Boston’s Teams and Players Highlighted
Tatum is not the only Celtics figure to visit the Patriots this summer. Head coach Joe Mazzulla and his son were recently guests of Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, showing the supportive relationship between Boston’s sports franchises. Fans have enjoyed these interactions, which reflect a strong local sports community spirit. Additionally, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been spotted at multiple Celtics games, and during this practice, he was seen spending time with Tatum.
Tatum’s Injury Status and Career Achievements
Jayson Tatum is anticipated to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 NBA season due to the Achilles injury he sustained in the playoff semifinals. This injury came during a critical period when the Celtics lost their series against the New York Knicks in six games. However, the absence of his protective boot at the recent practice suggests that he might be ahead of his projected rehabilitation timeline.
Tatum’s legacy in Boston is already significant. A Duke University alumnus, Tatum led the Celtics to an NBA Championship in 2024 and has earned six NBA All-Star selections along with four All-NBA First Team honors, establishing him as one of the franchise’s notable figures.
What This Means for Celtics Fans Moving Forward
Seeing Jayson Tatum without the boot during the Patriots practice brings cautious optimism for the Celtics. If his rehabilitation continues to progress well, he might be able to return sooner than expected, positively impacting the team’s performance in upcoming seasons. The ongoing support between Boston’s sports teams and their athletes only strengthens the sense of community and hope among fans across the city.