North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson was carted off the field with what appeared to be a right knee injury in the third quarter against Minnesota on Thursday night in Minneapolis.

Johnson, who transferred to the Tar Heels from Texas A&M this past offseason, won the starting job after a competition with Conner Harrell that went down to the wire. In the early going against the Golden Gophers, Johnson struggled to find consistency — but so did his offensive line, with four new starters.

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

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

Max 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 with both programs. His experience — 22 starts and 30 total appearances — made him an important player for North Carolina to get through the portal to replace first-round draft pick Drake Maye.

Johnson ended up 12-of-19 passing for 71 yards with an interception and a rushing touchdown Thursday night. Harrell, a redshirt sophomore who served as the backup to Maye last season and started the Tar Heels’ bowl game, replaced him.