SOUTH BEND — Nose tackle Howard Cross III’s streak of consecutive starts for Notre Dame football will end at 22, thanks to the left ankle injury he suffered in the win over Florida State.

Cross, who has played in 60 games across his six-year college career, has been ruled out for Saturday’s Senior Day game against unranked Virginia.

“It’s not a long-term thing, but our doctors made the determination he’s going to be out this week,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said Monday. “We hope to get him back the following week depending on how the rehab continues to happen.”

Cross played through a high ankle sprain for the bulk of his 2022 season, missing only the early October game against BYU. He hobbled off the field early in the second quarter of the 52-3 win over the Seminoles, but he was walking without a limp as he exited the field following the game.

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Donovan Hinish, the redshirt sophomore who has been Cross’ understudy, contributed five tackles and a pair of sacks in his 28 defensive snaps in Saturday’s win. Older brother Kurt Hinish played the same position for Notre Dame and was voted a team captain in 2021, when Freeman was defensive coordinator.

Monday, Freeman cited “the impact Kurt Hinish had on our defense” as part of the reason the younger Hinish’s rise has been no surprise.

“Donnie might not be 6-3, 6-4, but we know what we’re getting out of him,” Freeman said. “Part of it is the way he was raised. He’s a tough dude that has worked his way to be a really good player. He plays that way.”

Donovan Hinish is listed at 6-2 and 278 pounds, an inch taller and 10 pounds lighter than Cross. That height listing is incorrect, according to Cross.

“Donnie reminds me of myself, being that we’re the same height,” Cross said last season. “Put that on record: We are the same height. I’ve got the measurements.”

Kurt Hinish is in his third season with the NFL’s Houston Texans, but his younger brother compares favorably in Cross’ estimation.

“He’s fast off the ball; he can use his hands,” Cross said. “He’s like another version of Kurt, but probably better because Kurt doesn’t move at all. Even in the league now, he doesn’t move.”

Listed as questionable on Monday’s injury report were punt returner Max Hurleman (hamstring), running back Devyn Ford (groin) and defensive end Loghan Thomas (hamstring). All three rank among Notre Dame’s top six special teams players in terms of participation.

Freeman suggested Hurleman and Thomas might improve their statuses to probable by Saturday.

Freshman left tackle Anthonie Knapp, who returned after missing four plays with an apparent knee injury against Florida State, was not listed on Monday’s injury report.

Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame football rules Howard Cross III (ankle) out vs. Virginia