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Michael Hoecht
DE · BUF

Michael Hoecht

Position DE
Team BUF
Bye Week 5
PPR Rank —

Michael Hoecht

NFL player. Position: DE. Team: BUF.

Quick Facts

  • Position: DE (Defensive End)
  • Team: BUF (Buffalo Bills)
  • Bye week (2026): 5

2026 Outlook

Suffered right Achilles tear on November 2 but showing positive recovery trajectory through May OTAs. By Week 2 of Phase 3 OTAs (May 30), Hoecht demonstrated measurable progression: doing more change of direction work, jumping drills, and explosive pushing off the right side during sprints. His Week 2 performance was notably better than Week 1—unevenness in change-of-direction sprints from previous week had corrected. On track for July 1 clearance target, putting him at 8.5 months post-surgery by training camp's start (late July). Force plate testing and power output measurements will determine whether he starts on PUP or clears fully. Risk of re-tear is low at this recovery stage. (per Buffalo Bills Phase 3 OTA Injury Report: Week 2 Rehab & Injury Analysis)

By mandatory minicamp (June 15), Hoecht appeared ready for training camp. Defensive coordinator Brandon Beane said Hoecht will be ready but may need half days or limited workload early on to avoid overexertion. However, he won't demonstrate pre-injury form until 2027; expect potential compensation injuries (hamstring, groin) and fatigue later in games while his explosion improves over the season. (per Buffalo Bills Mandatory Minicamp Injury Report: Rehab Updates & Injury Analysis)

Role / Depth Chart

Key pass rusher for Bills defense.

Injury Status

Right Achilles tear (November 2, 2025; surgery November 6). Over six months into recovery as of late May OTAs. Detailed rehab progress shown through May: executing jumping drills, doing polymeric work, performing change-of-direction activities with increasingly natural mechanics. Planned July 1 full-clearance target aligns with 8-month post-surgery timeline. By training camp (late July), will be at 9-month mark. May start on PUP if Dr. Neal ElAttrache clearance not finalized. Risk of re-tear is low at this recovery stage. (per Buffalo Bills Phase 3 OTA Injury Report)

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)