It’s as if Buffalo Bills defensive end Michael Hoecht was making up for lost time, playing like a man possessed in the two games since his return from a league-mandated six-game suspension following a banned substance test. Hoecht, a native of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, mentioned that he stayed in Orchard Park, NY throughout the duration of his suspension, working out at local football fields to stay in shape.
A key offseason free-agent signing by general manager Brandon Beane, Hoecht took the role
of Swiss Army Knife to new heights. He quickly turned into a vital asset, a true defensive X-factor able to line up almost anywhere to negatively affect an offense.
It was an impressive start by Hoecht, but the energy he brought to the Bills was short-lived this season, with news of a devastating injury confirmed by head coach Sean McDermott. Hoecht suffered a torn Achilles in the second half of action during the team’s Week 9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
It’s a massive loss for a Bills defense that seemed to hit its stride with him on the field. It’s expected that Hoecht will undergo surgery as soon as possible to repair and reattach the Achilles tendon and, with that, comes a long and arduous rehabilitation schedule with physical therapists. Per reports, Achilles injuries like Hoecht suffered typically find NFL players returning to action in nine to 12 months following surgery.
Hoecht appeared to suffer the tear while pushing off during a defensive rep. He immediately went down, showing the trademark inability to use his leg in normal fashion. The cart was brought out soon after, which Hoecht waved off. Instead, Hoecht wanted to remain on the sideline with his teammates.
Hoecht signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Bills during free agency in March of 2025. Brandon Beane mentioned that the organization had tried to pry him away from the Los Angeles Rams prior to 2025. Hoecht is a Ontario, Canada.
