[las1234]

I have a GE model GSD5360F01SS. Last week I noticed some hard black pieces in the bottom. I it looked as though it were some sort of gasket at the very bottom of the door between the door panel & the bottom panel. Today when I received a part & took the door apart I found that the Mastic door panel AP3964102 had literally slipped down the door and that is what is coming apart inside of the dishwasher.

I see that I can order & replace that part, however could that coming down into the dishwasher be what caused the leak? If not, then do I need to replace the door gasket or is there something else I can check before spending money on other parts?