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Jared Sullinger Cleared To Play For Celtics

BOSTON (CBS) -- The Celtics made a surprising announcement Friday afternoon, declaring Jared Sullinger good to go.

Sullinger suffered a metatarsal stress fracture in his left foot back in late February and underwent what many believed was season-ending surgery. But the Celtics announced that Sullinger's stress fracture has completely healed, and the forward/center is available to play Friday night when Boston host the Milwaukee Bucks at the TD Garden.

"We are excited that Jared's recovery progressed quicker than initially expected," said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. "Jared was extremely diligent in his rehab, repeatedly expressing his eagerness to help our team reach the postseason. He will be available in a limited role this weekend as he works his way back to 100% game shape."

Celtics head coach Brad Stevens joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak and Bertrand shortly after the announcement, and said Sullinger will be eased back into game action this weekend.

"He's been on the court a little bit, but we haven't had a chance to practice so he hasn't engaged on 5-on-5 like he will in a game," said Stevens. "The way I'm looking at it, and I've talked to Jared about it, he's available. He'll probably play a limited role, especially this weekend, and we'll go from there."

While Sullinger's commitment to the team was called into question just a few weeks ago, with Ainge making some interesting comments regarding his conditioning on Toucher & Rich, Stevens said over the last few weeks he's seen a player determined to return to the floor.

"From everything I've watched he's working at a great level and is in much better condition than he's been," said Stevens. "Here is a guy who wants to be a part of this team and help this team. He came into my office yesterday and said he wanted to help in any way he can. That's a great thing for an accomplished young player to say."

In 51 games this season, Sullinger averaged 14.4 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds per game.

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