2007 Cadillac Escalade Esv camshaft positioning sensor

If this sensor is located in the front timing cover, there is moving parts. The cam and crank sprockets and timing chain. Can you see the broken piece, or is it out of sight. Chances are it dropped all the way to the pan, but you don't know. Getting it out would probably require removal of the front engine cover. It is hard to say what could happen if you start it, worst case is it could damage the timing chain components, or cam sprocket reluctor.