North Carolina starting quarterback Max Johnson has suffered a season-ending leg injury in the season opener against Minnesota. Johnson, who had won the starting job over Conner Harrell, is expected to make a full recovery but will miss the rest of the 2024 season.
North Carolina's quarterback situation took a turn for the worse on Thursday when Max Johnson suffered a season-ending leg injury in the Tar Heels' season opener against Minnesota. Johnson, a transfer from Texas A&M, had won the starting job over redshirt freshman Conner Harrell and was poised to lead UNC's offense this season.
The injury occurred in the third quarter when Johnson was sacked by Minnesota's Justin Walley. Johnson immediately grabbed his leg and remained on the turf for several minutes before being carted off the field. He was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
UNC Quarterback Max Johnson's Season Ends with Leg Injury
On Friday, UNC confirmed that Johnson had undergone a medical procedure in Minneapolis. The school also noted that he would travel back to North Carolina in the coming days. While Johnson is expected to make a full recovery, the injury will sideline him for the rest of the 2024 season.
Johnson's injury is a major blow to the Tar Heels, who were counting on him to lead their offense this season. Johnson, the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, had a solid performance in the season opener, completing 12 of 19 passes for 71 yards and one interception while also running for a score.
UNC Quarterback Max Johnson's Season Ends with Leg Injury
With Johnson out for the season, Harrell is expected to take over as the starting quarterback. Harrell, who played for the Tar Heels in last season's bowl game after Drake Maye declared for the NFL Draft, led the team the rest of the way in the 19-17 win over Minnesota.
Harrell is a talented quarterback, but he is still relatively inexperienced. He has only started one game in his career and will now be thrust into the starting role for a team with high expectations.
UNC Quarterback Max Johnson's Season Ends with Leg Injury
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown will need to find a way to replace Johnson's production on offense. The Tar Heels have a talented group of receivers and running backs, but they will need Harrell to step up and lead the offense if they want to be successful this season.
Johnson's injury is a reminder of how quickly things can change in sports. The Tar Heels were hoping to compete for a Coastal Division title this season, but Johnson's injury has made that task much more difficult.
