THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — Montreal running back Brandon Whitaker, making the most of an opportunity to shine in the absence of the injured Avon Cobourne, has been named CFL offensive player of the week.
Montreal and Winnipeg players dominated the weekly Gibson’s Finest awards, taking three of the four categories.
Als linebacker Chip Cox was named top defensive player while Winnipeg kick returner Jovon Johnson was honoured for special teams.
Toronto running back/slotback Andre Durie was chosen top Canadian.
Whitaker ran for 74 yards and scored two touchdowns in leading the Als to a 39-17 victory over the visiting Bombers. The second-year player also caught five passes for 44 yards.
Winnipeg running back Fred Reid was runner-up for the award.
Cox took defensive honours after recovering a fumble for 14 yards for the game’s first touchdown against Winnipeg. He also had a team-high nine tackles and one sack in picking up his second award of the season.
Johnson scored on a spectacular 74-yard punt return against Montreal, returning six punts for 105 yards in all. It’s also his second honour this season.
Cox and Johnson were unanimous selections.
Durie was honoured for his performance in a 16-12 loss to visiting Hamilton. The Toronto player had seven receptions for 69 yards, both career-highs, and ran once for 15 yards.
Argos linebacker Kevin Eiben was runner-up.
The awards were decided on by a panel of judges that includes former CFL players Matt Dunigan, Duane Forde and Pierre Vercheval.
