Jayson Tatum undergoes surgery for ruptured right Achilles tendon: What's the recovery timeline?

Jayson Tatum underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. Recovery from Achilles tendon surgery typically takes 6 to 12 months.

Updated on: May 14, 2025, 03:16:25 IST

By Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

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Jayson Tatum underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon, sustained during Game 5 of the Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks series on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics holds his ankle on the ground after being injured against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. (Getty Images via AFP)

"Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Further updates will be provided when appropriate,” Celtics wrote on X.

What Is the Recovery Time for a Ruptured Achilles Tendon?

Recovery from Achilles tendon surgery typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, type of surgery, and adherence to rehabilitation. According to WebMD, physical therapy starts around 4–6 weeks post-surgery.

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Jayson Tatum Injury

Jayson Tatum suffered an injury while chasing a loose ball in the final minutes of the fourth quarter during the Celtics’ Game 4 loss on Monday night. As he stepped backward on his right leg, he suddenly collapsed to the floor and was unable to get up. Celtics medical staff rushed to assist him and ultimately carried him off the court.

"Obviously, you're always worried about someone's health, so the fact that he had to be carried off — like you said, he's the type of guy that gets right up. He didn't," Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said during the postgame press conference. "We'll know tomorrow exactly what it is. It's tough to watch a guy like him get carried off like that."

Teammate Derrick White also spoke about Tatum's injury, saying, "That's our brother and you hate to see him go down. You just know the type of guy he is and it's tough to see him go down... He knows that we love him. I'm sure I'll see him soon."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

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