Tatum a ‘full-go’ during Celtics’ scrimmages

Boston Celtics

“The common theme that I’ve gotten around Jayson Tatum is he will be back on the floor when ‘JT feels like JT.’”

Jayson Tatum has been a regular participant during practices over the last week. (Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff)

By Conor Ryan

February 25, 2026 | 5:37 PM

2 minutes to read

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Celtics star Jayson Tatum is getting closer and closer to a return to the parquet floor.

Tatum, who ruptured his Achilles during the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals in May 2025, has taken another step forward in his recovery, according to Charania.

“I can tell you that Jayson Tatum has been a full-go in five-on-five scrimmages with the Celtics,” Charania said on ESPN’s “NBA Today” Wednesday.

The Celtics have taken part in several practices and scrimmages since heading out west on their current road trip — with the team posting photos of Tatum participating in those workouts, which include shots of the 27-year-old superstar dunking and driving to the basket.

It’s another encouraging sign for Tatum, who first posted videos of himself dunking in October 2025 — just five months after he first hit the hardwood at Madison Square Garden with such a severe injury.

Despite Tatum’s accelerated recovery timeline from what was once deemed as a career-altering — if not career-ending — injury, the Celtics’ top forward has remained mum when asked if he has a set date or concrete timeline in place for a return this season.

“I do not have a date,” Tatum told reporters on Saturday. “I just take it one day at a time. I feel better than I did yesterday, and that’s the most important thing. … “There was a little five-on-five.

“It’s tough to go into detail of every single thing I do every day. But I will say getting acclimated more and doing limited things with some of the guys out there. It’s all a part of the rehab.”

Even though Tatum appears to be well ahead of schedule, Charania stressed on Wednesday’s TV spot that the Celtics will not clear their star forward for game action until Tatum himself signals that he’s ready to go.

“Right now, it’s about him continuing to put in the time, continuing to get his conditioning up and that comes through a number of practices and scrimmages,” Charania said, as transcribed by MassLive’s Brian Robb. “There are two elements right now at play. One is increasing the strength in both of his calves off of that Achilles tendon injury and the big hurdle of all this is getting 100 percent there on the mental side. Getting the confidence in his leg fully when he’s back.

“The common theme that I’ve gotten around Jayson Tatum is he will be back on the floor when ‘JT feels like JT.’ The Celtics have continued to let him lead that process. He’s in the driver’s seat. They will take Jayson Tatum’s lead as far as when he feels like he’s ready and cleared.”

The Celtics would welcome a return from Tatum at some point down the stretch. Even if Tatum likely needs a full offseason to fully shake off the rust, his scoring touch, rebounding, and versatility would be a key pickup for a team that has won nine out of its last 10 games.

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.