Will Jayson Tatum play again this season? And if so, when will it make its comeback? A few days before Christmas, we still have no answers to these questions, but the recent rumors coming from Boston are enough to give hope to Celtics fans.
In his latest podcastl’insider des Celtics Chris Forsberg (NBC Sports Boston) indeed suggested that a return of Jayson Tatum – victim of a ruptured Achilles tendon last May – was not only possible this season, but it could happen even more quickly than one might think.
“First, we talked about a white season. Then, there was talk of an absence of several months. And now we’re almost at the point where it’s measured in weeks. Maybe six, maybe eight, whatever the number is. If Tatum continues to climb the ranks quickly enough as we move into the new year, he could enter a ramp-up phase and will be just a few weeks away from a return. »
« Just another little hint that [Tatum’s] making the sort of progress that’s going to force this conversation » 👀@ChrisForsberg_ reacts to Brad Stevens’ latest update on Jayson Tatum’s recovery on the Celtics Talk Podcast ☘️
Watch or listen here: https://t.co/E1Jpy0xW3S pic.twitter.com/3RpiXtGFV1
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 18, 2025
If no official timeline has yet been announced, rumors spoke of a potential return in March for Tatum. Obviously it could be as early as February.
So obviously, the Celtics will take absolutely no risks with Jayson, face of the franchise and who is coming off one of the worst possible injuries for an NBA player. But there are several signs that point to a return in early 2026.
Chris Forsberg particularly highlights the fact that manager Brad Stevens did not request the Disabled Player Exception, which allows a team to receive an envelope from the NBA to recruit a player to compensate for a major injury. There is obviously also these videos circulating on Tatumshowing JT’s rapid rehabilitation. And then there are these statements that we see on social networks: “Tatum told me he will return this season” notably criticized the insider Chris Haynes, “He will probably break the record for the fastest recovery in the history of Achilles tendon injuries” added his teammate Jaylen Brown.
“He told me he’s coming back this season.”
— @ChrisBHaynes on Jayson Tatum
(h/t @NBA__Courtside) pic.twitter.com/pRnXFr28XM
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 18, 2025
Finally, the Celtics are exceeding expectations this season, with a positive record (15 wins – 11 losses) and a place in the Top 4 in the East. In a very open conference, a return of Jayson Tatum to Boston could allow the 2024 NBA Champions to really play for the top of the table.
The coming weeks should tell us more about Tatum’s progress, but the hypothesis of a return this season seems more and more credible.
