Michael Hoecht made a remarkable splash in 2025, leaving quite the impression despite limited time on the field. The 28-year-old defensive end inked a three-year deal with the Buffalo Bills in free agency, but his much-anticipated debut was delayed due to a six-game suspension.
Once back, Hoecht wasted no time making his presence felt, racking up 1.5 sacks in his first game against the Carolina Panthers. He followed that up with another half sack against the Kansas City Chiefs, only to be sidelined for the rest of the season with a torn right Achilles.
Achilles injuries can be tricky, with recovery timelines varying widely. However, Hoecht recently shared some encouraging news about his progress. Speaking on Eric Wood’s Centered on Buffalo podcast, he expressed confidence in his recovery, aiming to be ready for the 2026 season opener.
“Yeah, that’s very much my expectation, I think it’s everybody else’s expectations,” Hoecht shared. He drew inspiration from former teammate Cam Akers, who made a swift return from a similar injury in just five months.
While Hoecht’s own recovery might take a bit longer, he’s targeting July 1 to wrap up his rehab. “It used to take maybe a year, I don’t really see it taking that long,” he explained.
“But my own personal goal for myself is to be done by July 1 and then hopefully ramp up for camp... Knowing me and knowing how I approach things, we’ll be ready to go.”
As Hoecht gears up for his second season with the Bills, he’ll be adapting to a new system under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. His versatility makes him an ideal fit on paper, and if he can return to full strength by July, Hoecht could be poised for a standout season in Leonhard’s aggressive scheme.