Celtics Given Hope After Huge Jayson Tatum Injury Update

The Boston Celtics just got a much-needed dose of optimism — and it came from the sidelines of a football field.

On Wednesday, Jayson Tatum was spotted at the New England Patriots joint practice with the Washington Commanders, walking comfortably without a brace or boot just three months after Achilles surgery. It was the first real public glimpse of Boston’s franchise cornerstone since he went down in the playoffs — and a promising one at that.

For a team preparing for life without its superstar, seeing Tatum upright was a major step forward. He was moving freely. Smiling. In good spirits. And it might hint that his road back to the court could be shorter than expected.

Tatum Turns Heads at Patriots Camp

Tatum, who ruptured his right Achilles during Boston’s second-round loss to the New York Knicks, had surgery in May and was expected to miss most — if not all — of the upcoming 2025–26 season. But walking unassisted this early into rehab has turned some heads around the league.

“I’m no doctor, but I’ve seen guys coming back from Achilles’ tears, and he looked way ahead,” a scout at Elite Camp told Heavy Sports’ Steve Bulpett. “I was kind of shocked to see how well he was moving.”

Tatum spent the afternoon chatting with players on both sides, including Jayden Daniels, who’s expected to lead Washington’s offense this season.

Jayson Tatum is at Patriots practice. 👀 Comfortably walking without his boot pic.twitter.com/0uoanwr3bR — CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) August 6, 2025

Tatum Connects With Drake Maye

Another familiar face welcomed Tatum with open arms — Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye, who made a point to check in on the Celtics star during practice.

“What’s going on, baby? I’m praying for you, man,” Maye said in a video captured by the Celtics’ official X account. “You feeling all right?”

“I’m getting better,” Tatum replied.

The two shared a quick exchange about their college days, with Maye — a UNC alum — noting his brother Luke’s first-ever college start came against Tatum’s Duke Blue Devils back in 2017 at Cameron Indoor. “What he’s done for Boston — I told him it was a heartbreak, what happened,” Maye added. “I’m looking forward to seeing him come back.”

Drake and JT 🤝 pic.twitter.com/G3WLW7bIGI — Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 6, 2025

Celtics Staying Patient, But Hopeful

Along with the Patriots appearance, Tatum has been quietly ramping up behind the scenes. Clips of him working out in the weight room at the Celtics’ team practice facility have surfaced on social media, offering further hope that his recovery is ahead of schedule.

Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has also kept his update measured but encouraging.

“He seems to be doing really well… he’s a competitor, he’s going to compete in everything he does — including his rehab,” Stevens said. “So I’m very encouraged.”

Boston still hasn’t committed to a formal return timeline. Given the severity of the injury, they’ll remain cautious. But between the public sightings. The behind-the-scenes work. And Tatum’s own mindset — the possibility of a return before the end of the season suddenly feels a little more real.

And if he can come back anywhere near full strength? The Celtics’ window might be wide open again.

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