Brandon Whitaker is fast approaching 30, an age when running backs tend to lose a step and at times lose their jobs.

He lost his job in Montreal, Whitaker’s home for the past six seasons, but feels he’s found a home in Toronto.

Whether he’s lost a step, only time will tell.

“It’s almost being home away from home,’’ said the dynamic back. “I’m excited to be here and I want to help the team win.”

Whitaker, 29, is ideally suited for the Argos’ offence, a style the Als ran when Anthony Calvillo was pulling the trigger.

During his days in Montreal, one of Whitaker’s quarterbacks was Marcus Brady, the Argos’ offensive co-ordinator.

As an Al, Whitaker played for Scott Milanovich, Toronto’s head coach who served as Montreal’s offensive co-ordinator.

There’s a familiarity and a comfort level, but there’s that nagging issue of avoiding injuries, something Whitaker hasn’t been able to do.

“I’ve been hit with the injury bug the last couple of years, but it comes with playing football, especially when you’re a running back and play a physical style. I feel like the 2011 Brandon Whitaker.”

In 2012, Whitaker was limited to 10 games.

The following season, he appeared in only five games.

In 2014, he played in 13 games.

Whitaker and Chad Kackert provide the Argos with experience and knowledge of the system. But neither is getting any younger and both have been injury riddled.

Henry Josey is the youthful back on the roster, a very talented football player who will make his regular-season debut this Saturday against Edmonton. At Tuesday’s practice, Josey and Whitaker shared reps. Kackert looked fine, practising for the first time since he blew out his hamstring on the same Downsview Park turf last season.

Assuming Whitaker and Kackert stay healthy, the Argos can rotate the two veterans and complement one with Josey.

And once Curtis Steele (knee) comes off the injured list, decisions will be made.

“It’s just a fact that older players get injured, but I like our depth there,’’ said Milanovich of his backs.

“I know what kind of character he (Whitaker) has and I know what he’s willing to do as far as sticking his head in there and blitz pickups. He’s very similar to Kack. There’s some comfort level knowing what you’re going to get.”

Whitaker’s running style is different than most, but he’s versatile and assuming he stays healthy he’ll give the Argos what they need from the position.

“He kind of picks and chooses his holes,’’ said Milanovich of Whitaker. “He’s a talented guy and I’m very pleased with the talent we have at tailback with him, Josey and Kack.”

Milanovich hasn’t made a decision whether Whitaker or Kackert get the call this week, but did say Josey will be in the lineup.

“Everybody is hoping for a happy ending for Chad Kackert,’’ added Milanovich. “He deserves it.”

ROBINSON OUT FOR YEAR

Zander Robinson is one of many unheralded players in the CFL, a low-maintenance, high-character guy whose presence is better appreciated when he’s not on the field.

Robinson plays on special teams, lines up as a blocking back, can release and be used in the passing game and is also used as a tight end on jumbo packages.

The Argos were expecting the worst when Robinson hurt his knee in last week’s pre-season finale — and the team’s worst fears were realized when an MRI showed a complete tear to two ligaments.

He’ll be out for the entire season.

Robinson was entering his fifth season with the Argos, who drafted Robinson in the CFL’s third round in 2011.

Second-year Argo Alexandre Dupuis will fill the void left by Robinson.

“They are a little different skill set,” head coach Scott Milanovich said of Robinson and Dupuis. “But Dupuis can pick up the slack there. We’ll use some offensive linemen as tight ends if we need to. (Brendan) Gillanders has the ability to be used as an H-back off the ball kind of tight end.”

DOLPHINS SNAP UP ARGOS PERSONNEL GURU

Argos GM Jim Barker has groomed front-office types and coaches who have gone on to better opportunities.

The latest is Chris Rossetti, a walking, breathing football encyclopedia who will be leaving the Argos shortly to join the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

Rossetti has served as the Argos’ director of player personnel, tirelessly beating the bushes in signing players.

There’s a lot of talented, athletic pieces on the Argos and most of the work fell on the shoulders of Rossetti. In Miami, Rossetti, who attended St. Mike’s, will work as a player personnel assistant.

Two years ago, Barker lost Ted Goveia to Winnipeg, which named him assistant GM. Mike O’Shea was lost to the Bombers, while Orlondo Steinauer left for Hamilton, serving as head coach and defensive co-ordinator, respectively.