What is it, and how critical?

[RMBLFSH]

My 1972 K10 developed a rattle.

I crawled underneath and found this "plate thingy" dangling around between the universal joint and disc brake. I was able to fish it our after I removed the front wheel.

I do not find it referenced in my service manual.

My hope is that it is just a a dust cover or splash shield and does not require immediate attention. (is not a safety issue)

What say you?

Thanks for the help,

Rich