Does NES Work if the CIC is Removed Completely?

So I decided to remove the CIC completely since I have the proper tools to do so. Will the NES still function after doing this? I don't see why not as the only thing tying the CIC to the CPU is the reset pin, right? I'm getting a gray screen, but suspect the flaky 72 pin connector.

Thanks

 

There is actually an entire thread on the subject on nesdev forum.
http://forums.nesdev.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=9260

 

Thank you that's just what I was looking for. I figured it had something to do with the lack of a pull-down on the reset pin, but this confirms it.