UNC QB Max Johnson to miss season after breaking leg in win vs. Minnesota

North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson was carted off the field against Minnesota in the season opener after appearing to suffer a significant leg injury during the second half.

After further examination, the extent of his injury has now been revealed.

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“UNC announces that QB Max Johnson is out for the season,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel wrote on X. “Update on UNC QB Max Johnson. He ‘underwent successful surgery in Minneapolis to repair a broken right leg on Friday. Johnson, who is accompanied by his parents in Minnesota, will return to Chapel Hill in a few days and is expected to make a full recovery.'”

The injury occurred when UNC was trailing the Gophers in the third quarter. Johnson dropped back in the pocket on third down before being taken down by a Minnesota defender. He remained on the ground for an extended period of time as he was tended to by medical staff and trainers on hand. Eventually, a cart was brought to him and escorted him off the field.

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Johnson finished the game 12 of 19 with 71 yards and an interception to go with a rushing touchdown. Conner Harrell replaced him under center to finish the game.

A fifth-year college journeyman, Johnson spent the last four seasons with the LSU Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies, Johnson has thrown for 5,853 yards and 47 touchdowns while completing 60.5 percent of his passes. He signed with LSU as part of the Class of 2020 and was the Tigers’ starter in 2021, throwing for 27 touchdowns.

Johnson’s brother, Jake Johnson, joined him in Chapel Hill after the two teamed up at Texas A&M over the last two years. The two connected on one complete pass good for seven yards against Minnesota.

Looking ahead, North Carolina will have to move on and keep playing with the talent they have. Next up for them is a home game against in-state opponent Charlotte. They’ll play NC Central and James Madison at home to round out their non-conference slate. They’ll begin ACC play on the road against ACC rival Duke during Week 5.

Coincidentally, North Carolina will not play a game outside of its home state until Oct. 26 when they travel to face Virginia during Week 9 on Oct. 26. Beginning against the Cavaliers, three of UNC’s next four games — including at Florida State — will be on the road before wrapping up the regular season in Chapel Hill against rival NC State.

Kickoff between the Tar Heels and 49ers is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET live on the ACC Network.