Max Johnson, the starting quarterback for the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels, left Thursday night's game against the University of Minnesota due to a right knee injury. The Tar Heels went on to lose the game 38-17, and Johnson's status for future games is uncertain.
Chapel Hill, NC - UNC football quarterback Max Johnson suffered a right knee injury in the third quarter of Thursday night's game against Minnesota. Johnson was carted off the field after being tackled on a run, and was replaced by backup quarterback Drake Maye.
The severity of Johnson's injury is still unknown, but UNC coach Mack Brown said after the game that it was "significant." Johnson underwent an MRI on Friday, and the results are expected to be revealed later today.
UNC QB Max Johnson's Knee Injury Raises Concerns for Tar Heels' Season
Johnson's injury is a major blow to the Tar Heels, who were already struggling on offense this season. UNC has lost its first two games of the year, and is averaging just 14.0 points per game.
Maye, a freshman, played well in relief of Johnson on Thursday night. Maye completed 11 of 15 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown, and also ran for 55 yards.
However, it is unclear if Maye is ready to be a full-time starter. Maye has never started a college football game, and he has only thrown 28 passes in his career.
If Johnson is out for an extended period of time, the Tar Heels could be in trouble. UNC has a difficult schedule this season, and they will need Johnson to be healthy and productive if they want to have any chance of success.
* **Friday, September 2:** Johnson underwent an MRI on Friday, and the results are expected to be revealed later today.
* **Saturday, September 3:** UNC coach Mack Brown said that Johnson's injury is "significant," but did not provide any further details.
* **Sunday, September 4:** Johnson is expected to miss multiple games, according to reports.
* **Monday, September 5:** Johnson is undergoing further tests on his knee, and his status for the season is still uncertain.
Johnson's injury is a major setback for the Tar Heels, who were already struggling on offense. UNC has lost its first two games of the year, and is averaging just 14.0 points per game.
Maye, a freshman, played well in relief of Johnson on Thursday night. However, it is unclear if Maye is ready to be a full-time starter. Maye has never started a college football game, and he has only thrown 28 passes in his career.
If Johnson is out for an extended period of time, the Tar Heels could be in trouble. UNC has a difficult schedule this season, and they will need Johnson to be healthy and productive if they want to have any chance of success.
