After sustaining a ruptured Achilles tendon in May during the Eastern Conference semifinals, Jayson Tatum was thought to have missed the entire 2025-26 season.

But the Boston Celtics star has not ruled out returning to the court sometime later in the upcoming season.

During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Tatum revealed his intense recovery process and his hopes of returning to action.

“First thing, I haven't said I'm not playing this season," Tatum said.

"The most important thing is a full recovery. And I'm not rushing it ... at all," Tatum continued. "But also, I don't go to rehab six days a week for nothing."

Throughout his recovery, Tatum shared that he has been in communication with other NBA athletes, such as Damian Lillard, Dejounte Murray, and Tyrese Haliburton, who have also suffered Achilles injuries.

"We've all been in communication ... Dejounte, Dame, Tyrese... we're all at different points in our recovery,” Tatum said. “I text them all the time to ask what can you do, and what are you doing in your workouts. We're all in the same boat, just kind of checking in on each other."

Speaking to CBS Sports HQ on Tuesday, he said he would love to come back if he’s 100%

 "If that's this season, there's obviously conversations to be had,” he said. “For me, I love to play. I've never been a guy that wants to sit out, and I try to play in every game possible."

Tatum also admitted that working through his Achilles injury has taken a toll on his emotions.

"It's been tough, it's been a rollercoaster. It's been emotional," Tatum explained. "It's a new experience for me... Our first practice is a week from today, and I won't be able to be out there with the team. I won't be out there to start the season. That's been a tough pill to swallow and something I've been working through every day."