NBA insider shares new intel on Jayson Tatum's potential timeline to return
Jayson Tatum's first on-court workout since tearing his Achilles in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden was eye-popping. To see what he could do at this stage in the rehab process was most impressive. Paired with
Tatum's workout sparked optimism about the possibility that he could return this season. In discussing that prospect in the aftermath of the six-time All-Star's injury, Dr. Kevin Stone, a leading expert in Achilles tendon repair,
If the Boston Celtics' star forward rejoins the lineup Feb. 13, that would be nine months after his injury. Another potential return date many are eying is Mar. 4 against the Charlotte Hornets. That's the day after Tatum's birthday. It's also at TD Garden, where he said his first game back will take place.
However, the idea of what his timeline might look like recently received a dousing of cold water.
The Celtics and Jayson Tatum will be cautious about his return
In an appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show,"
It was a significant and cathartic step in his road to recovery. However, he and the Celtics will be cautious about when he gets the green light to suit up for the first time since his injury occurred.
Jayson Tatum told @SIChrisMannix that his recent on-court workout at the Auerbach Center was "the first time he's felt like a basketball player again."
On Tatum's potential timeline to return:
"Nobody up there is stamping the All-Star break or March as a time to bring him… pic.twitter.com/nA0h0wBieO — Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) October 3, 2025
"Nobody up there is stamping the All-Star break or March as a time to bring him back," said Mannix. "When I talked to people that are close to Tatum and people around the Celtics, they're pumping the brakes pretty hard on the anticipation game because they know this injury is a tricky one. It's a tricky one to fully recover from."
Boston could see significant developments this season that play a meaningful part in the team's return to title contention once Tatum is healthy. However, as far as being a championship contender goes, the upcoming campaign projects to be a gap year.
The primary factor in when the 27-year-old wing returns is being deemed 100 percent healthy. After that, it's ensuring Tatum has had enough on-court work, including playing five-on-five, to feel comfortable and ready to rejoin the lineup.
The Celtics' outlook and the state of the Eastern Conference landscape could also prove relevant factors. Tatum's return could happen this season, but how the team's faring may lead to patience prevailing.
Police Issue Statement After Former Broncos QB Gets Stabbed & Hospitalized
The Denver Broncos only rostered former No. 5 overall draft pick and quarterback Mark Sanchez for a brief time. Still, the latest news around the current Fox Sports analyst is jarring nonetheless, as reactions from around the
Sanchez was drafted by the New York Jets in 2009. He joined the Broncos via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2016.
He never played a game for Denver, which released him before the 2016 season began.
Ex-Broncos QB Mark Sanchez Stabbed in Indianapolis
GettyTV Announcer and former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez on the field before a game between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
Now, Sanchez is back in the news for a far more ominous reason, with reports surfacing that he was stabbed while on assignment covering the
“IMPD is investigating a disturbance that happened near Senate Avenue and West Washington Street on October 4 around 12:30 a.m. “The incident involved two adult males, resulting in one man receiving lacerations and the other injuries consistent with stab wounds. Detectives believe this is an isolated incident between two men and not a random act of violence,”
“Both individuals, who are not local residents, have been identified. IMPD Aggravated Assault detectives are continuing their investigation and have reviewed video footage of the incident. Both men received medical treatment. The man with the apparent stab wounds remains hospitalized in stable condition.”
IMPD’s statement continued to say “the case will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for a charging decision.”
They will not release any identities “unless the suspect is arrested, charged, or being sought.”
Sanchez finished his 10-year career in the NFL with 15,357 yards, 86 touchdowns, and 89 interceptions on 56.6% completion, a 37-36 record as a starter. He banked $66.3 million in career earnings
ESPN’s Adam Schefter initially framed the incident as a “robbery,” but the IMPD’s statement does not make that abundantly clear.
At any rate, the ex-Broncos QB Sanchez’s incident will continue to impact the league.
NFL World Reacts to Mark Sanchez Stabbing Report
GettyMark Sanchez #6 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
“We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support,”
Sanchez spent eight years in the NFL, suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders along the way.
This will interrupt Sanchez’s work in the booth.
“Sanchez was scheduled to be part of the broadcast crew for Sunday’s game between the
His first team, the
“Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family,” the
Former QB The Athletic analyst Chase Daniel posted, “Holy cow. Prayers with Mark.”
Fox will broadcast two Broncos games this season – Week 12 at the Houston Texans and Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars – but it has yet to be determined if Sanchez will be on the call.
