Orchard Park, NY – October 23, 2025
After six long weeks of waiting, the Buffalo Bills finally welcomed back two key defensive contributors — Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi — as both players returned to practice this week following the expiration of their league suspensions.
For Hoecht, the road back to the team has been anything but idle. The Canadian defensive lineman, known for his discipline and drive, revealed a creative way to stay in shape while barred from using team facilities.
“The first three weeks I was over at Hamburg High School, home of the Bulldogs,” Hoecht said with a smile. “They were really welcoming. Some of the kids thought I was Joey Bosa when I showed up.”
Without access to official training resources, Hoecht stuck to a strict daily schedule that mirrored the Bills’ team routine. “I wanted to sleep in my own bed, eat my own food, and stay on the same rhythm as the team,”
he explained. “That way, when I came back, it wouldn’t feel like I’d missed a beat.”
Meanwhile, Larry Ogunjobi, who was suspended for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, said the time away gave him a chance to reset and refocus. Entering his ninth NFL season, Ogunjobi expressed gratitude for another opportunity to contribute.
“I’ve played a lot of football, but it’s always special to get back on the field,” he said. “You knock the rust off, fly around, and remember why you love the game.”
Both veterans are expected to immediately strengthen Buffalo’s defensive rotation heading into Week 8. The Bills’ defensive front — which has battled injuries and fatigue through the first half of the season — gains two experienced playmakers capable of bringing pressure and stability to the line.
Adding to the good news, rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston also practiced this week for the first time since training camp. The first-round pick, who had been on injured reserve with a knee injury, said it felt “amazing” to put pads on again.
“It’s almost like learning to ride a bike,” Hairston said. “Just getting back out there, feeling the rhythm — it’s exciting.”
For a Bills team navigating early-season adversity, the return of Hoecht and Ogunjobi offers both depth and inspiration. After six weeks of isolation, both players rejoin the locker room not just physically ready, but mentally sharper — and eager to prove that time away has only made them hungrier.
