The Buffalo Bills continued their regular season winning streak over the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. On Sunday, the Bills fended off a Chiefs comeback attempt and picked up the 28-21 victory. Now, the Bills have won five games in a row against the Chiefs in the regular season. Most importantly, the Bills improve to 6-2 on the year just before the trade deadline.
Considering the Bills are Super Bowl contenders, they are expected to buy at the trade deadline to improve their odds of making and winning the Super Bowl. But a need has become much more apparent just before the Nov. 4 trade deadline, and that's the pass rush.
In the game, defensive end Michael Hoecht appeared to suffer a non-contact injury in the second half. While he did remain on the sidelines, he did not return as the team said he suffered an Achilles injury. After the game, Bills reporter for ESPN Alaina Getzenberg revealed that Hoecht was spotted on crutches in the locker room, where he was unable to put any weight on his right leg.
After the game, Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that Hoecht tore his Achilles, meaning he is out for the rest of the season.
#Bills DE Michael Hoecht tore his Achilles tonight, coach Sean McDermott announced. A frustrating short season for Hoecht. pic.twitter.com/ZTC5JqjzQD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2025
Pass rush becomes an immediate need for Bills at trade deadline with Michael Hoecht Achilles injury
This is not a promising update after what already felt like bad news when Hoecht went down with the Achilles injury. Hoecht returned just last week after serving a six game suspension for violating the performance enhancing drug (PED) policy.
In his return last week against the Carolina Panthers, Hoecht recorded three total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in Buffalo's 40-9 win. Before his injury against the Chiefs, Hoecht recorded two tackles and 0.5 sacks.
Hoecht injury comes just one week after Ed Oliver sidelined for the rest of the regular season due to a torn biceps. Now, with Hoecht out Buffalo's pass rush needs a significant boost.
It's unlikely someone like Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett will be dealt at the trade deadline. There's a possibility the Cincinnati Bengals could make Trey Hendrickson available, but that's currently unknown.
Regardless, Bills general manager Brandon Beane must explore the market before 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. If the team wants to have any chance of, finally, defeating the Chiefs in the playoffs and reaching the Super Bowl for the first time since 1993, they must improve their pass rush. Especially with Hoecht out for the season.