CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina starting quarterback Gio Lopez, who was carted off the field during the Tar Heels’ last game on Sept. 20, is listed as “questionable” ahead of Saturday’s matchup against Clemson.
Lopez was injured in the third quarter of UNC’s loss at UCF after being tackled. He was taken off the field with a right leg injury and did not return. Backup Max Johnson filled in for him for the second time this season after doing so in the opening game against TCU, when Lopez had to exit also due to an injury.
During media availability Wednesday, the program hinted that Lopez’ availability would not be certain. The signal caller, who has started all of the UNC’s four games so far, has not practiced since returning from Orlando. On Thursday night, when the first of three Atlantic Coast Conference-required availability reports came out ahead of Saturday’s games, Lopez was was listed under the “questionable” category.
Before being forced out of the game against UCF, which the Tar Heels lost 34-9, Lopez completed 11 of his 14 pass attempts for 87 yards and two interceptions. On the season, the transfer from South Alabama has 430 passing yards and thrown for three touchdowns, completing 42 of his 67 pass attempts for a 62.7% completion rate. Lopez has also rushed for 69 yards and one touchdown.
Johnson also completed 11 passes in the UCF game out of 19 attempts, finishing with 67 yards and a touchdown. In his two appearances so far this season, UNC’s backup quarterback has completed 20 of his 30 pass attempts — a completion rate of 66.7% — for 170 total yards and two touchdowns.
The Tar Heels and head coach Bill Belichick have two more chances to remove the “questionable” designation from Lopez’ name. Another availability report is required on Friday night, and then a final one two hours before the matchup against Clemson at noon on Saturday.