a4988 step stick vmot and resistor?

Hi, I got a spare a4988 stepstick that I never used, apparently the vmot pin solder are connected to the brown resistor(?) besides it and somewhat doubts if the step stick can be used again due to this. I tried to break the link but I'm unable to do it.

I'm sorry for such a newbie question, just want to avoid unwanted disaster in the future.

I tried to check on the diagrams, couldn't understand it

Is it okay for them to be connected directly?