North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson was forced to leave the Tar Heels’ 2024 season opener against Minnesota due to an apparent knee injury. Johnson started the game for head coach Mack Brown and exited with 3:06 remaining in the third quarter. At that point, he had completed 12 of 19 passes for 71 yards, along with an interception and a rushing touchdown.
After sustaining the injury, Johnson was taken off the field on a cart amidst a supportive standing ovation from fans of both UNC and Minnesota in Minneapolis. Brock Huard, who was covering the game for Fox, expressed sympathy for Johnson’s mother as her son left the field.
Conner Harrell stepped in as Johnson’s replacement after his departure. The status of Johnson’s injury is still unclear.
During a postgame interview, Coach Brown remarked that he had not yet received any diagnosis regarding Johnson’s condition. He mentioned that he preferred to have team doctors communicate with players and their families first. Brown later informed reporters that he was still unaware of Johnson’s injury status because he was at the hospital with his family.
The injury occurred when two Minnesota defenders attempted to sack Johnson. As he was throwing the ball away, his right knee appeared to give way as he fell to the ground.