Yes, it does look like the cable is damaged. If you put the cable in the wrong way you could burn the connector and damage a few parts on the logic board.
Also note the socket plate (the last picture) the left side edge is bent out which explains why you don't have a tight fit any more as the detent buttons on the cable connector are held by the holes in this plate.
Carefully, tap the corner in a bit so you get the needed resistance. Not to much here! As you don't want to snap it off.
But before you order the cable without the display unit plug in an external display via the DVI port to see if the system is working.