Jayson Tatum of the Celtics confirmed that he does not currently have a set date for his return due to injury

It’s funny how a team’s record can affect the return time of a star injury. If it is Boston Celtics have struggled to maintain a playoff position as many expect, fans probably wouldn’t Jayson Tatum play this season. Although, with Jaylen Brown drives the team to second place in the Eastern Conference, the public consensus is that No. 0 will speed up his recovery process and try to help the C’s win another championship.

Well, don’t jump to conclusions yet. Despite progress in his rehabilitation for the ruptured Achilles, which he suffered during the playoffs last year, Tatum is he is not ready to commit to anything.

“I don’t have a {return} date {in mind},” he told the Celtics’ Bobby Manning on CLNS. “I’m just taking it one day at a time. I feel better than yesterday, and that’s the most important thing.”

.@RealBobManning asked Jayson Tatum if he has a return date in mind:

“I don’t have a date…I’m just taking it one day at a time. I feel better than yesterday.”
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/67bsMB4ubj

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 21, 2026

The four-time All-NBA first-team selection continues to stay grounded throughout his long recovery. While it’s probably tempting to look ahead to the playoffs, he understands the dangers that come with rushing through this process. Tatum won’t help Boston if he returns to full strength. However, the 2024 NBA champion is still doing everything he can to rejoin his teammates before the end of the campaign.

Tatum, by his own admission, participated in “a little 5-on-5,” giving fans hope that he’ll be able to get on the floor this spring. If the 27-year-old is able to suit up before the playoffs, the Celtics will immediately become a popular NBA Finals pick. But for now, they’re doing just fine without a franchise pillar.

Boston has done a great job of staying focused on the task at hand while continuing to pile up wins. Speculation will do no one any good. C’s Head Coach Joe Mazzulla I said: “I don’t operate by feeling, I live by principle.”

Here’s what we know. The Celtics are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, and Jayson Tatum is seemingly getting stronger every day. The fans will take it.