Fred VanVleet turned heads among Houston Rockets fans with a recent update on his recovery from a torn ACL.
The veteran guard tore his ACL a month before the start of the 2025-26 regular season. With the injury happening so close to the campaign, the natural assumption was that VanVleet would surely be out until next season.
While that may still be what happens, VanVleet has not closed the door on a stunning return late this season. VanVleet gave an update on his injury timeline this week on an episode of his “Unguarded” podcast.
“Yes, it is possible that I can return this season,” VanVleet told his co-host, Marquez Beeks. “Doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. And I also don’t give a f–k. I would change my mind a hundred times between now and then.
“So, to be clear, I am doing my rehab every day with the goal in mind to return this season. But that does not mean that is what’s going to happen.”
Once upon a time, a torn ACL or torn Achilles meant a full calendar year of recovery for most professional athletes with the injuries considered unequivocally season-ending. Thanks to advancements in medical care, players are beginning to challenge the previously ironclad timelines set by these injuries.
Miami Heat guard Dru Smith tore his Achilles tendon in December 2024, a year after tearing his ACL. He returned nine months later and continues to be part of the Heat’s backcourt rotation.
The rumblings on Jayson Tatum’s swift return from his own torn Achilles continue to get louder with every workout video he posts on social media. With the Boston Celtics remaining competitive sans Tatum, speculation remains that he could return as early as this month.
But even if VanVleet follows a similar expedited rehab for his torn ACL, a return this season may be wishful thinking. Even if he were to return as late as the first round of the playoffs, that puts his rehab time at an astounding seven months.
The Rockets sorely need VanVleet’s steady play at the point guard spot, but it’s hard to imagine the team and player risking further injury with a premature return to play.
Even if VanVleet doesn’t return, the silver lining for Rockets fans is that his recovery must be going extremely well for him to even consider playing this season.
