That is probably an eastern box (Terrapene c. carolina).

3-toeds are not native to NC.
If it was near-dead on the side of the road, it is possible that it was an abondoned captive-- in which case it could be a three-toed. That turtle looks like it has 4 toes on each hind foot. All eastern boxes have four toes, but so do some three-toed boxes.

Assuming it is an eastern box, the coloration and pattern (or lack of it) are indeed unusual. easterns are usually darker in coloration with bright and pronounced markings on the carapace.
3-toeds are more commonly lighter colored with paler markings, like the turtle pictured. But 3-toeds typically have more orange spotting on the head and forelegs.

I go with unusual looking Eastern box.

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