See I don't count ineffectiveness or unavailability for injuries as a bust. It's a physical game, and you can't control when your body breaks down. Busts should only be considered for those that are perform poorly (just one fan's opinion).
I want Fields to stay healthy and hope he slides and goes OB intelligently, but if he's sprinting down field to turn a big play into a TD for us, I'll never complain. That kind of hustle inspires the men you lead. You can't loaf on a play when your QB is out there throwing down field blocks!
I get that, it wouldn’t make him a bust in the same sense as a player who just wasn’t any good or had off the field issues, but it’s definitely something to consider, especially when a player’s playing style makes them more susceptible to injury.
The closest comparison for Justin fields among historical players is Robert Griffin III. Look at scouting reports for RGIII from the 2012 draft, they’re incredibly similar to Fields; basically the same size, speed, arm strength, accuracy, intelligence, leadership, toughness... but the Redskins let RGIII run freely, and allowed him to play through injuries (even when the doctor refused to clear him), and it ended up wrecking what could have been a HOF career. Griffin’s own strengths, his running ability and incredible toughness and competitiveness, ended up being his downfall.
Hopefully the Bears took note, and will do what is necessary to reign in Fields for the sake of his long term health. But everything they’ve said publicly so far makes me think that they’re going to be careful, which is really good to hear. Just imagine if Fields had ended up with the Jets or some other dumpster fire of an organization...