Terrance West’s season of highs and lows went another round Saturday.

The Ravens running back was active for the team’s 23-16 win against the Indianapolis Colts, marking his first appearance on the game day roster since Oct. 8, when he injured his left calf in the first quarter of a 30-17 victory at the Oakland Raiders. But that did not translate into touches for the former Northwestern High and Towson University standout, who did not play a snap against Indianapolis.

“It felt good to be active and be a part of the team,” West said after Wednesday’s practice.

When asked if he was surprised that he did not get onto the field, West replied: “Yeah, very surprised. I was told I was playing.”

West began the year as the offense’s primary running back, starting in four of the first five games before suffering that calf injury. After taking about a month to heal, he was a healthy scratch in five straight games before Saturday.

West is aware that the starting job belongs to Alex Collins, who ranks 10th in the NFL in rushing yards (895) and leads the team in touchdown runs (five). But that does not make his inactivity Saturday any less mysterious.

“When you’re out there, that’s the stuff going through your head. ‘Why am I not out there?’?” West said. “But like I said before, I’m stacking days and getting better.”

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who has said West is still a valued member of the offense, did not provide much of an answer to a question about West’s absence from Saturday’s game.

“That’s a really good question, so I’m delaying here to figure out what I’m going to say on this one because I really wanted him to play,” he said Thursday. “We didn’t get that done. He’ll show up. We’ve talked. He’ll show up, and he’ll be productive, and he’ll help this team win at some point here, I would think.”

If West is exasperated by his lack of involvement in the offense, however, he refused to express that emotion.

“I’m not going to say I’m frustrated,” he said. “I’m not frustrated at all. I’m just waiting on my opportunity. I’m ready to play.”

Planning to play: Austin Howard was limited in his return to practice Thursday afternoon, but the right tackle said he plans to make his 16th start of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals in the regular-season finale for both teams Sunday at 4:25 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium.

“I got some good work in with [trainer Mark Smith] in the training room, strengthening the knee,” Howard said after practice. “… I’m good.”

Howard, who sat out Wednesday’s session, wore a brace around the left knee that he hyperextended in the second quarter of Saturday’s 23-16 win against the Indianapolis Colts. He managed to play 69 of 73 snaps on offense despite some internal worry over the severity of the injury.

In addition to Howard, rookie guard Jermaine Eluemunor (shoulder), rookie fullback-defensive lineman Patrick Ricard (neck), and defensive tackle Brandon Williams (back) were limited for the second consecutive practice. Ricard wore a red noncontact jersey for the second day in a row.

Wide receiver Mike Wallace (knee) was upgraded from limited to full participation. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (left knee) missed his second straight practice.

Happy to help: Maurice Canady was not ready to call his play that cemented the Ravens win Saturday the biggest of his young career. His pass breakup that prevented quarterback Jacoby Brissett from connecting with wide receiver T.Y. Hilton for a first down with 1:38 left in the fourth quarter was surprisingly the first of his career.

So how about the most important?

“Of course,” the 23-year-old cornerback said Wednesday. “To seal the game, that was pretty big. And it was a time where it was a must-win situation and we were able to come out with the victory.”

Canady has leapfrogged Lardarius Webb as the defense’s primary slot cornerback, taking the field for 262 snaps since Nov. 5 compared with Webb’s 77 over the same span.

End zone: Jaylen Hill played in only six games, making two tackles on special teams. But the rookie cornerback’s season-ending ACL and MCL tears in his right knee were felt by the unit, according to special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg. “We hate to lose guys, and I talked to Jaylen afterward,” Rosburg said Thursday. “His spirits are strong, and he looks forward to a long career both playing corner and special teams, and we’ll look forward having him back.” … Cincinnati has returned 200 tickets for Sunday’s game. Those tickets are available on baltimoreravens.com/tickets or by calling 410-261-RAVE (7283). … A pair of Cincinnati starters in linebacker Vontaze Burfict (right shoulder) and left tackle Cedric Ogbuehi (shoulder) sat out their second consecutive practice. Ogbuehi missed the team’s 26-17 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, while Burfict left that game in the second quarter. Two more starters in cornerback William Jackson (knee) and rookie running back Joe Mixon (ankle) were upgraded to limited participation after being absent from Wednesday’s session. Running back Giovani Bernard, Mixon’s backup on the unofficial depth chart who had 168 total yards from scrimmage and one touchdown in that win against Detroit, was limited for the second straight day. Finally, a pair of starters in rookie linebacker Jordan Evans (concussion) and strong safety Shawn Williams (concussion) practiced fully after being limited Wednesday.

edward.lee@baltsun.com

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