The Buffalo Bills have their quarterback back at full strength. Several other key players aren’t there yet.
Josh Allen said his foot has healed following offseason surgery to remove part of a bone, but general manager Brandon Beane outlined a wide range of recovery timelines across the roster this week, from players nearing full return to others in “wait-and-see” mode.
The Bills are cognizant of the timeline each player faces while working back from procedures this offseason.
The updates offer an early look at who could be ready, and who might not be, ahead of the draft as the Buffalo builds toward the 2026 season. The Bills’ OTAs begin May 18.
Josh Allen, QB, Foot: Fully recovered
Allen told reporters his foot is “great” after undergoing offseason surgery to remove a loose piece of bone. He said the injury had likely been lingering for years before it was jolted loose while trying to avoid Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett in Week 16.
Michael Hoecht, OLB, Achilles: Not fully cleared
Hoecht tore his right Achilles in Week 9, just his second game with the Bills after returning from a six-game suspension. He made an immediate impact with two sacks and a forced fumble and could factor into a larger role in Jim Leonhard’s defense.
When Hoecht suffered the injury, he waved off the cart that drove into the field to take him to the locker room. Instead, Hoecht hobbled off with the help of trainers and stayed on the bench with his teammates for the rest of the game.
“He’s doing well. Not fully cleared, though,” Beane said. “He’s here (at minicamp). He’s still rehabbing. He falls into that bucket, like he’s allowed to do certain things but he’s not full go yet.”
Dorian Strong, CB, neck: Wait-and-see
Strong started the 2025 season opener as a rookie before suffering a neck injury after four games that ended his season. He underwent surgery following the season, and his future remains uncertain.
“No new update for Dorian other than what I gave maybe at the owner’s meetings,” Beane said. “It’s in a wait-and-see mode.”
Tyler Bass, K, sports hernia: Near full strength
Bass missed the entire 2025 season after being placed on injured reserve two days prior to Week 1. He underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia in December 2025.
“T-Bass, if he’s not 100 (percent), he’s right at it,” Beane said.
Tyrell Shavers, WR, knee: Long-term recovery
Shavers tore his ACL during the Bills’ wild-card win over Jacksonville but remarkably returned to finish the game, playing more than half of Buffalo’s offensive snaps.
Shavers, 26, had 23 receptions for 245 yards and a touchdown in 2025.
“He is rehabbing. Dude is here every day,” Beane said. “We get out of the sauna at six-something, he’s already in there doing his plan. As you guys know, he’s a true pro. He’s really working hard. You know, he did that ACL in January. It’s going to take a little time.”
Landon Jackson, DE, knee: Progressing but not cleared
Jackson, a third-round pick, suffered a knee injury in Week 10 of his rookie season and missed the remainder of the year. He is still working his way back as he looks to carve out a role on the defensive line.
Jackson finished the season with 30 defensive snaps and 13 special teams snaps in three games and is still seeking his first career tackle.
“Landon’s doing well. He’s closer than Hoecht, but I don’t know percentage-wise,” Beane said. “He’s in that boat of doing a lot of things but not fully cleared yet.”
Khalil Shakir, WR, ankle: Expected to be fine
Shakir suffered a high ankle sprain at the Bills’ Red & Blue training camp practice on Aug. 1. It didn’t impact his availability for Week 1 and he played in the first 16 games before resting with other Buffalo starters in the season finale. Shakir recorded team-highs of 72 receptions and 719 receiving yards with four touchdowns in 2025.
“He had an ankle type procedure. He was out there today doing some things,” Beane said. “I don’t know that he’s 100% but he’ll be OK.”
DeWayne Carter, DT, Achilles: Not fully back yet
Carter suffered a torn Achilles in August and missed all of the 2025 season.
He totaled 14 tackles, five tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and a pass defended in 11 games during his rookie season in 2024.
“DeWayne is closer than (Hoecht),” Beane said. “Same injury, but not 100% yet. I’m not sure when that will be, but he’s doing well.”
Jordan Hancock, DB, shoulder: Targeting minicamp return
Hancock underwent surgery in the offseason to repair a right shoulder injury he suffered during a 2025 preseason game. Hancock, a 2025 fifth-round pick, played through the injury as a rookie and finished with 22 tackles in 13 games.
Hancock could end up a nickel cornerback or safety in Leonhard’s defensive scheme.
“He’s doing well,” Beane said. “Not cleared but I think that would be closer to minicamp or maybe even sometime from minicamp to training camp.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 7 Bills players not fully cleared after offseason surgeries
Reporting by Ryan Miller, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
