Jayson Tatum’s recovery timeline just got a lot more optimistic. According to the latest rumors, the Boston Celtics star could return as early as March, giving Boston a chance to get back into the championship hunt with their franchise player leading the way.
“The news and the video of Jayson Tatum being back on the floor for his recovery in Boston is something that took the league by surprise,” said Jake Fischer. “What does this mean in terms of Jayson Tatum’s ultimate return? That there’s definitely buzz that Tatum could potentially be back sometime in March,” a source told The Athletic. “The context of Boston’s season will be very important for Jayson Tatum’s return.”
The Celtics reached the pinnacle of success when they won the title in 2024. Led by Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday, they cruised through the East in what was one of the best seasons in franchise history. For his part, Tatum averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game to finish sixth in MVP voting.
Going into last season, Boston had dreams of going back-to-back as champions but they never got further than the second round. In the East Semifinals, against the Knicks, Tatum went down with a torn Achilles that ultimately ended the Celtics’ season. It was a crushing moment for the Celtics, and they responded with a series of trades designed to save money and preserve flexibility as Tatum recovers.
Initially, Tatum wasn’t expected back until the 2026-27 campaign. For most players, a serious Achilles injury requires 9-12 months of recovery and it’s even longer before they return to their previous form, if at all. Of course, the process has varied from player to player with some calling it a career while others (like Kevin Durant) were able to maintain their superstar status.
It’s too early to say which category Tatum falls into, but all signs point to a quick and speedy return. Besides the reports of being ahead of schedule, we recently saw Tatum back in the gym and he looked like someone who hasn’t lost a beat on the court.
Jayson Tatum is ALREADY back on the court shooting just months after his Achilles injury!
Has to be a combination of genetics and next-level rehab tech and modern sports science.
The future of athlete care is here, speeding up recovery like never before🔬💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/WcKhx2Csnf
— Real-1 (@OnlyRealLeft) September 28, 2025
With averages of 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game last season, it’s clear that Jayson Tatum is among the best in the game when healthy. At just 27 years old, he’s got his entire prime in front of him with more than enough time to get redemption for the time he’ll miss. The best part is, he may not have to wait very long.
If he’s somehow able to return by March, it will immediately put the Celtics back in title contention. Between his return and the play of scorers like Jaylen Brown and Anfernee Simons, the Celtics can pose a real threat in the playoffs if they can manage to make it in. If not, the Celtics may be better off keeping Tatum benched until they have a team that’s worth risking his health for.
Whatever the case, if Jayson Tatum is really able to make it back this season, the Celtics will become one of the most dangerous teams in the East again and everyone knows it. Whether Boston decides to push for his return this season or hold him back for the long game, the fact that he’s already this far along is a huge win. For a team still chasing another title, the timing of Tatum’s comeback could be the difference between a wasted year and another banner in the rafters.
