CLEMSON — The injuries keep piling up for Clemson, especially at the Tiger (nickel) position in Tom Allen’s defense.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed Sunday evening that Donovan Starr, who took over as the starter at Tiger for the last four games, is out for the rest of the regular season with an ankle injury. Starr sustained the injury in the Tigers’ win at Syracuse on Saturday.

Starr is the second defensive back to go down for the rest of the regular season at the Tiger position. Corian Gipson was lost for the season with a knee injury after the Miami game on Oct. 3.

Who is next in line for the Tigers at one of the most important positions in Allen’s defense?

The most likely candidate is Branden Strozier, who played a season-high 29 snaps on Saturday in place of Starr. He was credited with one tackle in the game.

Strozier (6-1,190) has primarily played as Hampton’s backup at corner this season.

Swinney also mentioned on Sunday that Misun “Tink” Kelley could also see time at Tiger. Kelley has been listed as Starr’s and cornerback Elliot Washington’s backup on Clemson’s two-deep.

Freshman Marcell Gipson Jr., who has played just 10 snaps all season, is another candidate to see playing time at Tiger.

Only Strozier got snaps at the Tiger on Saturday following Starr’s injury.

“You will see Strozier. We will get him more involved, that is what we did in the game,” Swinney said. “He actually did some good stuff. Obviously, he had the big miss tackle on a hitch route. He tried to tackle high, but he will be the guy.

“Marcell Gipson will be the other guy working that spot. Tink is playing corner and nickel, as well.”

Clemson returns home next Saturday when it hosts Georgia Tech at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.