Gordon Hayward begins light jogging on the court

Gordon Hayward and The Player’s Tribune continued their semi-regular updates on the Boston Celtics wing’s progress through rehabilitation from his ankle/leg injuries by posting a short video of Hayward lightly jogging on the Celtics practice court.

NBA Skills Trainer Jason Smeathers, who regularly works with Hayward, provided an update of his own that indicated this was Hayward’s first jog on the court.

Hayward suffered the ankle/leg injuries five minutes into his Boston debut on opening night against the Cleveland Cavaliers when he landed awkwardly after attempting to catch a lob pass.

Hayward and the Celtics have provided regular updates on Hayward’s rehab, but have declined to set a timetable for his return. Hayward seems to hold out hope for a return to play this season, while the team continues to say there is no defined plan.

After saying Hayward suffered a setback in his recovery last month, Boston General Manager Danny Ainge walked back those comments saying he misspoke and there was no setback, just general soreness for Hayward following an increased level of work on the treadmill. Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens has repeatedly said there is no pressure on Hayward to return this season and that the team is taking a day-by-day approach with his rehab.

No matter if it leads to a return to play this season or not, it is good to see Hayward off the anti-gravity treadmill and actually running on the court. Even what seem to be small steps can be considered big ones when working his way back from a major injury.