North Carolina QB Max Johnson carted off with injury vs. Gophers

North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Max Johnson was carted off the field in the season-opener against the Minnesota Golden Gophers with what appeared to be a serious injury.

Johnson, a graduate transfer who has spent time at both LSU and Texas A&M, was hit by a pair of Gophers defenders — Justin Walley and Darnell Jefferies — as he attempted a pass in the third quarter of Thursday night’s game. During the process, he went down to his knees and his right knee awkwardly bent under him.

The game was stopped for around seven minutes as Johnson was attended to and then carted off the field.

FOX Sports showed multiple shots of his parents, Nikki and Brad, the former NFL quarterback, looking on in the stands, clearly heartbroken. His brother, Jake, is also a tight end for the Tar Heels.

Johnson went 12 of 19 for just 71 yards with an interception in his Tar Heels debut and left with his team trailing Minnesota 14-10. He did have six carries for 10 yards and North Carolina's lone touchdown.

Hopefully the injury wasn't as serious as it looked but, if so, Johnson's season is likely finished.

Conner Harrell filled in for the rest of the game as North Carolina’s quarterback.