NBA injury report: Hopeful Jayson Tatum shares inspiring rehab update as Celtics star hints at emotional comeback

Jayson Tatum, the standout player for the Boston Celtics, tore his Achilles during Game 4 of the NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks in May of last year. That was around nine months ago. For background, Jayson Tatum sustained the injury during the Boston Celtics' defeat by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals the previous season. After 40 weeks of recuperation, Tatum is making quick progress and gave an emotional update on his 2025 and 2026 rehab experiences as rumors of his comeback continue to circulate. Even though there were early concerns that he would miss the entire 2025–2026 NBA season, Tatum is giving positive updates on his recuperation.After tearing his Achilles tendon during the previous postseason, Jayson Tatum made it plain that he wanted to return to the court before the end of the current campaign. The forward for the Boston Celtics has recovered from his injury more quickly than most anticipated, and his confidence has remained strong throughout.Tatum recently reached the 40-week milestone and paused to consider the behind-the-scenes aspects of the process. Tatum wrote:“40 weeks… I’ve really grown to appreciate this journey I’ve been on and allow time for me to pat myself on the back for showing up every day!”ESPN's Shams Charania gave an update on Tatum a little more than a week ago, stating that he is still making the required preparations for a return in the near future. As stated by Charania on February 8:“He has aggressively attacked his rehab at every turn. And listen, there are more boxes for Jayson Tatum to check… There are more phases in his rehab; he’s gotta practice with the team, of course..”He continued:“And then, again, there are also the normal nerves of coming back from an injury of this magnitude — a torn Achilles in May — to a really good team that has aspirations for potentially advancing in the playoffs.”Previously, Tatum has uploaded footage of himself in the gym, going through dribbling drills, strolling through one-on-one situations with coaches, and performing stationary dunks. He's obviously hoping to make a comeback this season, providing his rehabilitation continues to proceed as planned.Tatum hinted at a possible comeback on social media on Monday. The caption for the picture was just one word: "Soon." The picture shows Tatum with his trainer, Nick Sang, on the sidelines. The 27-year-old Tatum might make a comeback for the season's last quarter. However, even that comeback would mean he would be out for another two or three months. Nevertheless, Celtics supporters surely hope that the team's star forward will be able to play while there is still time on the calendar to have an impact. The front management has consistently stated that Boston will not rush their star forward back from injury, despite Tatum's efforts and the optimism of the fan base. In his absence, the Celtics have maintained their competitiveness and surpassed All-Star Jaylen Brown to take one of the stronger spots in the Eastern Conference. Boston is currently 35-19 overall, five and a half games behind the Detroit Pistons for the top conference berth, and second in the East.