It’s typically an overstatement to pin the challenges a side is facing on the absence of one player.

If you watch Rhode Island FC over its three outings over the past week, though, the lack of JJ Williams in the attacking line for Head Coach Khano Smith really seemed to stand out.

RIFC earned a second consecutive draw in league play at Centreville Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Joe Brito’s outstanding finish leveled things up in a 1-1 encounter with Monterey Bay FC, but the game felt like one that would have been there for the taking had Williams been available for selection.

• CENTRAL PIECE: It’s important to note that Williams has never been a major threat to win the Golden Boot over the years in the Championship. Last season was only his second in which he’d recorded double-digit goals and it took five goals in the postseason to get him there. But the 6-foot-4 striker has developed a knack of both finding his pockets to score and create, but also being such a handful that it creates space for others to work.

• HELPING HAND: This was best illustrated in his career season to date, when he recorded 12 goals and nine assists for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2023, both career highs. Teamed with Cal Jennings, the duo played off each other in the way that Williams and Albert Dikwa were able to in Rhode Island a season ago, allowing both players to hit double-digit goals.

• SHOW US THE NUMBERS: The splits for Rhode Island when Williams has been involved in a game and when he’s not available illustrate the case for the difference he makes. When the 27-year-old has appeared for RIFC in the Championship’s regular season or playoffs, they’ve averaged 1.8 goals per game and 1.6 points per game. When he hasn’t those numbers drop to 0.8 goals per game and 1.0 points per game. In 10 outings without Williams, RIFC has won only once while being held to draws on seven occasions.

There is still plenty of season to go for Rhode Island, which would vault up to sixth place in the standings with a victory on the road at Birmingham Legion FC on Wednesday night to kick off a two-game swing to the southeast this week. There’s also plenty of talent to make up the difference in Williams’ absence, with Dikwa looking lively as his minutes have risen since returning from injury last weekend.

But the longer Williams’ absence continues, the more pressing the question will become as to how to replace not only his production in the lineup, but the presence he provides that helps lift those around him.