Broken IR Sensor Broken

Hello, I was trying to install an SSD in to my late 2012 Mac mini using the ifixit guide. However I was cheating and not taking the logic board out. I could not seat the ssd hard drive at all, so I decided to try and take the logic board out - not realising you need a tool to take the board out. However I started by taking the IR sensor out, but I think I have broken it off the logic board. Is this sensor essential? Does anyone have any tips if I can still install the hard drive to fit in properly?

Also I found a ‘Y’ shaped bracket under the hard drive. Would you know what it’s for?

Thanks in advance.

Hello everyone, just an update on the Mac mini - I got the IR sensor soldered, the Mac booted up fine. When I tried to install a fresh copy of Catalina the ssd was not visible. Also I don’t think Bluetooth was working. I took the Mac back the person who soldered the cable, to see what the problem was. He said the cable connecting the ssd to the motherboard may be broken and the Bluetooth cable could be broken too -he would have a look. Went back today and he hadn’t been able to fix it. When the ssd is screwed to the grill on the bottom it disconnects the cable from the motherboard. Does anyone have any idea how I can stop this? Do I need to get a new cable? Thanks