BALTIMORE — Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett was so frustrated and disheartened following an injury-plagued season with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year that he began contemplating alternate careers, plotting a potential exit strategy from football.

Now, the Ravens and Forsett are both extremely glad that he didn’t pursue business ventures or player-development options.

The diminutive back displayed his determined, tackle-breaking running style Sunday during a 38-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium, rushing for a game-high 66 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.

Forsett could be pivotal for the Ravens in this week’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

“After all the experiences I had in my career, being hurt last year, being on the bottom of the depth chart, I didn’t know if I was ever going to play the game again,” said Forsett, who averaged 4.7 yards per carry Sunday. “Every game I go out and play, I play it like it’s my last. Thank God Baltimore called and I was able to get a spot here.

“The options were open and I started looking at other careers. I like player development and I’m a business guy, but I would rather be playing football.”

That was evident by how the 5-foot-8, 197-pounder eluded defenders with stutter-step moves and broke through tacklers with a relentless style as he got the start with Bernard Pierce sidelined due to a lingering strained quadriceps.

The Ravens rushed for 127 yards on 30 carries, with rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro contributing 58 yards and a touchdown run on 15 carries working in tandem with Forsett.

“I just wanted to come out and be a spark for the team,” Forsett said. “Our offensive line did a heck of a job opening up lanes and made it really easy to run.”

Forsett leads the Ravens with 255 yards on 44 carries and is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He is on pace to finish with 1,020 yards for the season.

“I love it,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. “Justin was slippery. Every one of these backs brings a little something different to the table.”

Although relatively undersized, Forsett is akin to a tough piece of leather. He absorbs punishment and dishes some out despite a lack of bulk.

“He’s very low to the ground,” quarterback Joe Flacco said. “He should have pretty good balance, and that’s what he has. When people hit him, he’s very good about keeping his feet underneath of him. I feel like he spins a lot while he’s getting contact.

“Guys fall off of him. The touchdown run, a couple of guys hit him, and he made sure he got in the end zone. That’s huge.”