The Buffalo Bills battled their way to a 28–21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9, but their defensive line depth just took a hit. The team confirmed a season‑ending injury to a recent addition who had sparked the rush in two games, forcing the Bills to weigh external options at the deadline and internal elevations to preserve pressure rates and run integrity amid a tightening AFC race. The injury arrives as other starters remain sidelined, increasing the urgency to maintain the four‑man rush discipline that defined the win.
What Happened To Michael Hoecht?
Defensive end Michael Hoecht tore his right Achilles tendon in the fourth quarter against the Chiefs. He waved off the cart to stay on the sideline, then left postgame on a cart with crutches and a boot. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed the injury and called it “a big loss,” noting Hoecht’s toughness and impact since debuting in Week 8 following a six‑game suspension. The play occurred with 14:25 remaining on a third‑and‑17; Hoecht’s right leg gave out as he pushed off at the snap. On Monday, the Bills placed him on the injured reserve list.
We have placed DE Michael Hoecht on IR. pic.twitter.com/7ye5UuO6pd
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 3, 2025
Hoecht produced quickly in limited action, totaling 1.5 sacks, six tackles, and a forced fumble across two appearances while aligning inside and on the edge. His loss compounds absences up front–DT Ed Oliver is out indefinitely (torn left biceps). DT DaQuan Jones (calf) has missed time; nickel CB Taron Johnson (groin) also sat versus Kansas City.
Despite those injuries, Buffalo held Patrick Mahomes to a 44.1% completion rate and logged 15 quarterback hits, pressing him on 52.6% of dropbacks while blitzing on only 11%. DE Greg Rousseau recorded nine pressures (0.5 sack), and Joey Bosa added a sack, five quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss.
Michael Hoecht Injury: Potential Replacements For Bills DE
Buffalo can pursue deadline additions that fit Hoecht’s hybrid usage or reinforce interior snaps while continuing to lean on a disciplined four‑man rush. External names discussed as potential targets include:
Sebastian Joseph-Day (Titans), a true defensive tackle capable of stabilizing the run and providing modest pass-rush support, aligns with the needs created by Oliver’s absence. Arden Key (Titans) profiles as a rotational edge who translates quickly; his recent seasons produced 12.5 combined sacks in 2023 and 2024. Tyree Wilson (Raiders) brings size (6-foot-6, 275) and inside-out alignment versatility; while developing, his run defense and length fit Buffalo’s defensive fronts. Jaelan Phillips (Dolphins) had been floated as a pass‑rush target, but he is off the table after being traded to Philadelphia.
Internally, Buffalo can elevate depth and redistribute snaps across Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa while monitoring health returns. The Kansas City tape, high pressure with minimal blitzing, supports the viability of staying within structure if edge rotation is stabilized.
Cap considerations will shape feasibility. Rental‑friendly contracts or manageable 2025 hits are the likeliest paths, with the club balancing immediate front‑seven needs against longer‑term flexibility. The objective is straightforward: maintain early‑down sturdiness and closing‑time pocket control, replacing Hoecht’s snap versatility to keep outcomes within reach as injuries test depth through November.