There is an update on Jayson Tatum’s season-ending injury. And no, he is not returning to the court just yet. Instead, his teammate has credited him with taking on an entirely different role. Tatum has been out since suffering a ruptured right Achilles tendon in May 2025. The injury immediately shut down his season and placed him on a long-term rehabilitation timeline. Despite the setback and the months he missed, he has remained a constant presence around the team.

Jaylen Brown, Tatum’s Celtics mate, is shedding new light on Tatum’s evolving role during his rehab. Brown says, “He’s been super active. He’s been around. It’s been dope to see…. He’s been like an extra coach, in a sense. So it’s been kind of cool to see any little.”

In the 2024-25 regular season, Jayson Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6 assists over 72 games.

Jaylen Brown’s description of Jayson Tatum’s presence during his recovery paints a clearer picture of why the Celtics have felt him even in his absence. When Brown said, “ He’s been engaged. He’s been on majority of every flight, almost every film session. So that level of dedication, you can tell he’s eager to get back. A lot of guys that know they got an extended amount of time, they’re going to separate themselves mentally for a little bit or whatever. He’s been there.”

Head coach Joe Mazzulla who has been consistently monitoring Tatum’s progress, highlighted how he has remained a central presence despite being sidelined. As he put it, “his ability to lead on the court has been taken away, he’s done a great job leading off the court with the work ethic.”

Six months have now passed since Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tendon surgery. He has been updating his fans on his recovery, posting occasional videos and photos of himself on the court. The timeline of his return has now shifted from uncertainty to a comeback.

But rather than inching toward a floor return, he has embraced a different kind of presence. And both his teammates and his Coach seem to like it. He remains plugged in, visible, and vocal.

A typical recovery window for that kind of tear spans 9-12 months. In fact, for most, an Achilles tear is often a career-ending injury. Yet Tatum has already signalled he is working toward something concrete. He told ESPN in September, “I wasn’t rehabbing 6 days a week for no reason.”

On a comeback, Tatum was sure to clear that it is decided, “I put a date on the calendar of when I will be 100% ready and able to play. Whenever that date is, it will be a home game in front of the fans at TD Garden. That is something that I have, you know, dreamed about and envisioned.”

Will Jayson Tatum return this regular season?

In October, it was reported by Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee show that the Celtics have not completely ruled out Jayson Tatum for the 2025-26 season. November marks six months since the surgery, and with the new updates coming, we know that Tatum is consistently involved with the team for on-court affairs. So, his return should be anticipated if not guaranteed.

In mid-October, Chris Haynes solidified that prediction by saying, “I think we will see him at some point during the regular season.” Chris Haynes said on Jayson Tatum’s progress on The Association.

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When he does return, he will be in a recalibrated Celtics clan. In his absence, the franchise, accustomed to automatic playoff contention, has had a shaky start to the season. The Celtics have previously qualified for the playoffs in 62 of their 80 seasons to date. Now they find their postseason status under real pressure.

Into that void steps Jaylen Brown, who has elevated his game to a true No. 1 role. He is averaging 27.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season. Meanwhile, the Celtics have navigated the early stretch of the 2025-26 season with a 6-7 record. This placed them 11th in the Eastern Conference. Even though their offensive efficiency is middling, averaging just 113.2 points per game.

In other words, the team is moving forward, with strong contributions from Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. And Tatum continues to serve as a powerful presence behind the scenes.