Max Johnson has been one of the biggest talking points around North Carolina football heading into the Tar Heels' Week 2 game against Charlotte. North Carolina won in Week 1 against Minnesota, but it came at a great cost as Max Johnson suffered a leg injury. Now fans want to know if he will be back this week, and if not, when will he return?
Max Johnson injury update for Week 2
Max Johnson will not return as the starting quarterback for North Carolina in Week 2 against Charlotte. He will not return as the starting QB this season at all. It was revealed that Johnson suffered a broken right leg and will be out for the rest of the season. Johnson had surgery on Friday and has been recovering in Minnesota since the injury.
Johnson transferred to North Carolina in the offseason after two seasons with Texas A&M. He spent the first two years of his college football career with LSU.
What happened to Max Johnson?
Johnson was injured near the end of the third quarter in North Carolina's game against Minnesota last week. He suffered the injury after he was tackled by two defenders coming from opposite directions. He broke his right leg on the play.
When will Max Johnson return?
Now that Johnson is out for the season, his focus has shifted to next year. While some may wonder if he would continue his college career since this is already his fifth year, Johnson made his plans clear about returning next season and that he will continue to support his team this year. He said, via ESPN's Pete Thamel on X:
"I have a lot of football left in me, and I know I will be back out there next year."
"I'll be there every day supporting my teammates and helping out as much as I can."
Johnson also thanked the medical team who took care of him in Minnesota.
"I want to thank Dr. Templeman and his team, the nurses and support staff at Hennepin Country Medical Center who took amazing care of me. Thank you to UNC head coach Mack Brown, the coaching staff and trainers who have encouraged and supported me."
Despite the setback, Johnson seems to be in good spirits. North Carolina will turn to backup QB Jacolby Criswell as his replacement for the rest of the year.
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