Max Johnson’s first season as quarterback for the North Carolina Tar Heels came to an abrupt end on Thursday.

The senior quarterback clutched his leg as he lay on the turf for several minutes in the third quarter of UNC’s season opener against Minnesota. Johnson eventually needed the assistance of a cart to get off the field. He was then taken to a hospital.

On Friday, UNC confirmed that Johnson had undergone a medical procedure in Minneapolis. The school also said he would travel back to North Carolina in the coming days.

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Quarterback Max Johnson of the North Carolina Tar Heels grabs his knee after being tackled during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on August 29, 2024. (Matt Krohn/USA Today Sports)

While Johnson is expected to make a full recovery, the injury will sideline him for the remainder of the 2024 season, ESPN reported.

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Conner Harrell, who played for the Tar Heels in last season’s bowl game after Drake Maye declared for the draft, led the team the rest of the way in a 19-17 win over Minnesota and is positioned to take over the starting job for a home game against Charlotte on Sept. 7.

Quarterback Max Johnson (14) of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on August 29, 2024. (Matt Krohn/USA Today Sports)

Johnson, the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, transferred from Texas A&M and was given the starting job by Harrell, replacing Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft.

But Johnson was injured when he was tackled to the ground by Justin Walley in the second half when he bent his leg in an awkward way.

North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Max Johnson throws against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, August 29, 2024 (Matt Krohn/USA Today Sports)

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown discussed Johnson’s injury after the game.

“I feel terrible that Max got injured, for him and for us. Conner (has to) step in,” Brown said.

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Johnson, a fifth-year quarterback who began his career with a two-year stint at LSU, finished 12-for-19 for 71 yards with one interception while also running for a score. The team awarded Johnson game ball afterward.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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