North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson was stretchered off the field in the third quarter of the 19-17 win over Minnesota on Thursday night in Minneapolis with what appeared to be a right knee injury.

Johnson, who joined the Tar Heels from Texas A&M last offseason, won the starting job after a close battle with Conner Harrell. In the early going against the Golden Gophers, Johnson struggled to find consistency — but so did his offensive line, which features four new starters.

Late in the third quarter, Johnson went back to pass, but Justin Walley came out of the secondary on a blitz and tackled him. Johnson landed awkwardly on his knee and immediately grabbed it.

His parents, Nikki and Brad, watched in amazement from the stands. Brad Johnson, a former NFL quarterback, began his professional career with the Vikings.

Immediately following the win, UNC coach Mack Brown told Fox he had no update on Johnson’s injury.

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

Johnson began his career at LSU in 2020 before transferring to Texas A&M in 2022. He was hoping for a fresh start with the Tar Heels after an up-and-down career at both programs. His experience — 22 starts and 30 total appearances — made him a key player for North Carolina to come through the portal to replace first-round draft pick Drake Maye.

Johnson finished 12 of 19 passing for 71 yards with an interception and a rushing touchdown on Thursday night. Harrell, a redshirt sophomore who served as Maye’s backup last season and started the Tar Heels’ bowl game, replaced him and was 2 of 4 for 34 yards. He led the Tar Heels on a late drive that eventually produced the winning field goal with 1:44 remaining.