Max Johnson's Season Ends Prematurely After Leg Injury

North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson, who had won the starting job just weeks ago, suffered a season-ending leg injury in the Tar Heels' season opener against Minnesota on Thursday.

Max Johnson's first season under center for the North Carolina Tar Heels has come to an abrupt end. The senior quarterback sustained a season-ending leg injury in the third quarter of UNC's season opener against Minnesota on Thursday.

Johnson grabbed his leg and lay on the turf for several minutes before needing assistance from a cart to exit the field. He was taken to a Minneapolis hospital, where he underwent a medical procedure on Friday, according to the university.

Max Johnson's Season Ends Prematurely After Leg Injury

UNC confirmed that Johnson would travel back to North Carolina in the coming days. While he is expected to make a full recovery, the injury will sideline him for the remainder of the 2024 season, as reported by ESPN.

Johnson, the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, had transferred from Texas A&M and won the starting job over Conner Harrell, who replaced Drake Maye last season.

Max Johnson's Season Ends Prematurely After Leg Injury

But Johnson's tenure as the Tar Heels' starting quarterback was cut short when his leg bent awkwardly after being tackled by Minnesota's Justin Walley.

Head coach Mack Brown expressed his disappointment after the game. "I hate that Max got hurt for him and for us. Conner [has] got to come on," Brown said.

Max Johnson's Season Ends Prematurely After Leg Injury

Johnson, a fifth-year quarterback, started his career with LSU before transferring to Texas A&M and then UNC. He finished the game against Minnesota 12-for-19 for 71 yards with one interception and a rushing touchdown.

Harrell led the Tar Heels to a 19-17 victory over Minnesota and is now expected to take over the starting role for UNC's home game against Charlotte on September 7.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.