Tar Heels Lose QB Max Johnson for Season With Leg Injury

© Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The North Carolina Tar Heels managed to win their season opener but suffered a major loss. Quarterback Max Johnson injured his right leg on Aug. 29 on a third-quarter play against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Johnson was carted off the field. On Aug. 30, Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown and his team learned that Johnson will be out for the rest of this season.

Johnson suffered a broken leg when his leg bent awkwardly while getting sent to the ground by Minnesota's Justin Walley. On Friday, the Tar Heels Athletics Department provided an update, according to The Associated Press.

Johnson underwent successful surgery in Minneapolis to repair his leg. He will stay there with his parents for a few days before returning to Chapel Hill, N.C. The surgery reportedly went well. A full recovery is expected.

He transferred to North Carolina in the offseason after starting his career at LSU. Johnson spent the last two seasons at quarterback for Texas A&M. He earned the starting QB role at North Carolina, beating out Conner Harrell. Now, though, it's Harrell who will run the Tar Heels' offense.

© Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Tar Heels Get Victory

While he was on the field, Johnson completed 12 of 19 passes for 71 yards and an interception. Johnson also had a rushing touchdown. In his career, Johnson's best season was with LSU in 2021. He threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns. Once Johnson left, North Carolina leaned heavily on placekicker Noah Burnette. He nailed a go-ahead kick from 45 yards away en route to a 19-17 Tar Heels win. Johnson did play well while in the game and moved the offense down the field.

Looking forward

While Johnson recovers, Harrell takes the reins of North Carolina's offense under Brown. He will fill the starter's role with Jacolby Criswell as his backup. Criswell came back to the Tar Heels after one season at Arkansas. Harrell knows the North Carolina offensive playbook pretty well. Keep an eye on All-Atlantic Coast Conference running back Omarion Hampton. His workload probably will increase going forward.

College Football Dawgs wishes Johnson best wishes and a speedy recovery.