North Carolina QB Max Johnson taken off on cart with knee injury in 3rd quarter at Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson left the season opener at Minnesota with an injury to his right knee in the third quarter of his debut with the Tar Heels on Thursday night.

Johnson, who transferred from Texas A&M and won the job to replace third overall NFL draft pick Drake Maye, was hurt when his leg bent awkwardly while being taken to the ground on a blitz by Justin Walley. Johnson immediately clutched his right knee and stayed down for several minutes. After beginning to limp off with assistance from the medical staff, he was instead put on a cart to be taken off the field.

After a rough first half, Johnson went 8 for 9 for 43 yards in the third quarter. He was replaced by Conner Harrell with the Gophers leading 14-10.

Johnson, the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, started his college career at LSU. This was the 23rd start for the fifth-year player.

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