Jayson Tatum is gradually advancing in his Achilles injury recovery, over three months after rupturing his Achilles tendon in mid-May. The Celtics star announced on Wednesday that he has finally been taken out of his protective boot, marking a key step forward in his rehabilitation process.
“Rehab is tedious, man,” Tatum said.
“It’s six days a week. It’s starting to get a little bit better, I’m out of the boot now. Better days ahead, but just trying to take it one day at a time.”
The Challenging Road of Achilles Rehabilitation
Tatum described the initial stage of his recovery as one of the toughest periods of his life, emphasizing his need for resilience.
“You got to be resilient. That first six weeks of this was probably the toughest six weeks of any point in my life. Just had to accept it and realized it happened and now I have to do everything in my power to get back to who I was and get back to playing.”
—Jayson Tatum, Celtics Star
While moving out of the boot signals improvement, Tatum is still far from being ready for game action. Achilles injuries like his usually require at least nine months of rehabilitation before athletes can return to competitive play. Although a return in the 2025-26 season remains possible, the prevailing expectation is that he may miss the entire season.
Scouts monitoring Tatum’s progress this summer have reported that he “looks great” as he gradually increases his activity levels, offering hope for his eventual comeback.
Tatum’s Recent Activities and Celtics’ Upcoming Schedule
Off the court, Tatum has remained engaged with the sports community and philanthropic efforts. On August 6, he visited Patriots practice and spoke with quarterback Drake Maye among others. The following day, he attended a groundbreaking ceremony for an early childhood education center in Providence, Rhode Island.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are preparing for the new season with training camp set to begin on September 29. Their first preseason game will take place on October 8 against the Memphis Grizzlies, followed by the regular season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on October 22.
Outlook on Recovery and Celtics’ Future
Jayson Tatum’s incremental progress in his Achilles injury recovery highlights the grueling journey ahead. His ability to persevere through the demanding rehabilitation regimen will be critical for his return to peak performance. While the timeline for his comeback remains uncertain, the Celtics and their fans will be watching closely as he works to regain his form during this extended recovery period.