The Boston Celtics had a rocky start to the 2025-26 regular season. But two months in, the 2024 NBA champs are back in the Top 3 in the Eastern Conference. Head coach Joe Mazzulla’s biggest concern was putting up a lineup without Jayson Tatum. He has been out of action since May after sustaining an Achilles injury. And as always, his return to the roster remains the biggest question.

Earlier in October, JT told the Celtics insider Noa Dalzell, “I’ve been working my butt off for the last 24 weeks now, just trying to get healthy and trying to get 100%. It’s something that motivates me.” Simply put, the superstar forward is doing everything feasible to make a comeback this season. You can’t expect anything less from a Kobe Bryant fan.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old graced the floor with Brad Stevens on Friday. At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a shirtless Jayson Tatum went through a light on-court workout. Looks like the Celtics GM is trying a hands-on approach towards JT’s speedy recovery.

Jayson Tatum throwing down a dunk never feels out of place in Boston, yet seeing it again carries real weight.

Now comes the more important question that every Cs fan has been waiting for since May, what is his return timeline? When will Tatum put on the #0 jersey for Boston?

Is Jayson Tatum totally sidelined from the 2025-26 NBA Season?

Boston is navigating a campaign that feels unfamiliar in every sense. Through the opening stretch, the Celtics have yet to deploy Jayson Tatum, who remains inactive while rehabbing since his injury from last year. Consequently, the franchise cornerstone has watched the entire season unfold from the bench. Still, the recovery arc has offered steady optimism rather than concern.

For now, Tatum stays out, yet the outlook remains bright. Importantly, a full season shutdown was never declared. Because the setback occurred early in the playoffs, his comeback window stayed realistic. Forecasts have floated for February, March, or even playoff time. Either way, his return feels inevitable. Therefore, the Boston Celtics must stay competitive now so those future minutes carry real stakes.

Hope has quietly taken over Boston again. Despite an uneven opening, the Celtics have steadied themselves while Jayson Tatum grinds through recovery with relentless intent.