Tyrese Haliburton has faced significant health challenges over the past 10 months, including a shingles diagnosis that has hindered his rehabilitation after an Achilles tendon injury. The medication for shingles has also contributed to noticeable weight gain and has affected his fitness level.
It's been a rough 10 months for Tyrese Haliburton, to say the least. After tearing his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, it was already presumed that the Indiana Pacers would have a tough time on the shelf in itself for an entire season. Still, Haliburton persevered in his recovery process, even participating in an "Achilles group chat" with Jayson Tatum.
But a recent shingles diagnosis threw everything off track.
In an end-of-season conversation with Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star, Haliburton revealed that he's still battling his case of shingles. He noted that the medication he's taking for the disease led to his evident weight gain, which many have noticed recently. Worse yet, Haliburton said his shingles fight prevented him from attacking his rehabilitation process the way he wanted to. He was supposed to return to 5-on-5 practice action after the 2026 All-Star Break, but was subsequently diagnosed with shingles soon after instead.
Ugh. I wouldn't wish three separate health issues like this at the same time on anyone:
Tyrese Haliburton just had his exit interview. Said shingles has been miserable and heās still dealing with it, not sure how long heāa going to be. Said medication has led to the evident weight gain and the whole thing has led to him being out of shapeā¦
ā Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) April 13, 2026
But trusts that he still has a long summer to get right and believes heāll be 100 percent by October. Said heās not even feeling affected by the leg right now.
ā Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) April 13, 2026
Haliburton said he was on the same track as Tatum and Murray prior to the illness. The intention was for him to start playing 5-on-5 when he got back from the All-Star break, but then he couldn't do anything for a while.
ā Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) April 13, 2026
At least it sounds like Haliburton is still on track for his October 2026 return date. That was always the plan for the Pacers talisman. After everything Haliburton has endured over the last year, it's really good to hear that he still feels confident and comfortable about remaining on that path.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Tyrese Haliburton shared how shingles battle led to 2 health setbacks
Tyrese Haliburton has been battling shingles, which has complicated his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury and led to weight gain.
Haliburton's shingles diagnosis has delayed his return to 5-on-5 practice and impacted his ability to fully engage in his rehabilitation.
Haliburton has not specified the exact medication for shingles, but he mentioned it has contributed to his weight gain and overall fitness issues.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.
Arshdeep Singh makes history as the first PBKS bowler to reach 100 IPL wickets!
California's top high school football prospects are on the move this weekend.
Viktor Hovland shines with a 64 at RBC Heritage, Gotterup scores 70.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.