The Green Bay Packers made a significant front office announcement during their bye week. This move marks a vital change in the organizational structure of the Packers. As the team prepares to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6, this news marks an important moment in the season.

GM Brian Gutekunst said veteran head physician Dr. Patrick McKenzie is shifting to a new role as senior medical advisor, and Dr. Michael K. Ryan will assume the role as new head team physician.

McKenzie had been the Packers’ team physician for over 30 years, one of the NFL’s top sports medicine professionals. An orthopedic surgeon who has expertise in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction.

His career achievements include the 2022 Bob Harlan Leadership Award and the 2011 Jerry “Hawk” Rhea Award, the latter for performance of the year in a season where Green Bay navigated through the league’s longest injured-reserve list. McKenzie has also coached at the collegiate level, teaching courses in athletic training at UW-Oshkosh.

Assuming the role of head physician, Dr. Michael K. Ryan brings a great deal of professional and collegiate experience to the position. Serving as assistant team physician since 2023.

His experience also includes co-founding The Hip Center in Birmingham, Alabama, and serving as the team physician for the Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League), Samford University, and several high schools.

His education includes a bachelor’s degree in preprofessional studies from the University of Notre Dame, a medical degree from the University of Georgetown, and an orthopedic residency at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases.

The change provides continuity in Green Bay and introduces new leadership to direct the care of players. McKenzie’s promotion to senior medical advisor allows him to provide strategic input and guidance to Ryan and all of the medical personnel.

Besides Ryan and McKenzie, the Packers’ medical staff includes Dr. Jeremy Metzler, who is an expert in sports medicine and concussions. Then there are Dr. Kyle McCarty, who is a specialist in emergency medicine, and Dr. Alan Shamrock, who’s an expert in treating foot and ankle disorders.

All in all, the medical team’s reputation precedes it, but they also have a lot of work to do.

Brian Gutekunst’s move makes sense given the Packers’ injury situation

Changes in the medical team might help the panic in the Packers locker room, which has been plagued with injuries following their 40-40 tie with the Dallas Cowboys.

Kicker Brandon McManus is dealing with a right quadricep injury. He had limited participation in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, which puts his availability for Week 6 in doubt. As per Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, the Packers have worked out veterans Greg Joseph and Lucas Havrisik. Meanwhile, tackles Rasheed Walker (also quadricep), Anthony Belton (ankle), and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (knee) have not practiced at all so far this week.

Changes in the medical personnel mirror the overall organizational strategy for remaining strong after injury problems. This is part of a deliberate effort on GM Gutekunst’s part to keep operations efficient while continuing to develop the Packers’ medical depth.