The Celtics' COVID issues just got much worse, as the team announced on Monday that Jayson Tatum has been placed in health and safety protocols and is out for Monday's game against Minnesota.
Tatum becomes the ninth Celtics player in protocol. Seven others -- Dennis Schroder, Josh Richardson, Aaron Nesmith, Enes Freedom, Bruno Fernando, Justin Jackson and C.J. Miles -- remain out for Monday as well. Grant Williams is questionable for the game as he returns from protocol.
Juancho Hernangomez, Jabari Parker and Brodric Thomas were all cleared to return from healthy and safety protocols over the weekend. Al Horford was also cleared from protocol, but did not play Saturday as he works back into game shape. His status for Monday is unclear.
Tatum, the Celtics' leading scorer with 25.6 points per game, dealt with COVID-19 last season and needed an inhaler once he returned. He has said that he was still feeling some effects from it months afterwards.
