49ers notes, Nov. 12: Brock, Ward appear out for Giants game

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It appears the 49ers will be without two of their top cornerbacks Sunday when they play a quarterback with the last name of Manning.

The last time that happened, it didn’t turn out so well.

The 49ers aren’t expected to have the services of Tramaine Brock or first-round pick Jimmie Ward when they visit the Giants and Eli Manning on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Ward is likely out after he sustained an injury Sunday to his right foot, which he had surgery on in March to repair a Jones fracture. Brock (hamstring) will also be sidelined, a source said Wednesday.

On Oct. 19, the 49ers were pounded 42-17 by the Broncos in a game in which Ward and cornerback Chris Culliver were sidelined and quarterback Peyton Manning threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns in three quarters.

On Sunday, the 49ers will face a less-imposing offense. The Giants (3-6) rank 18th in yards per game and 20th in points.

Bowman update: Fangio acknowledged there is a possibility All-Pro inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman will return from his knee injury in 2015.

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 17: Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Lance Moore #16 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 17, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) less NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 17: Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Lance Moore #16 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 17, 2013 in New ... more Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close 49ers notes, Nov. 12: Brock, Ward appear out for Giants game 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

In order to play this season, Bowman must begin practicing Tuesday. Fangio said the 49ers could exercise caution and allow Bowman to have 10 more months to recover before he plays in a regular-season game.

Bowman, who tore two ligaments in his left knee in January, had an MRI exam this week that “went well,” but the 49ers don’t have an exact timetable for his return, Yahoo Sports reported.

Smith’s return: Fangio said rookie outside linebacker Aaron Lynch will likely make his second career start in place of Dan Skuta, who is still hobbled by an ankle injury.

Lynch and Ahmad Brooks will start outside with Aldon Smith possibly spelling both of them. Fangio said he didn’t know how much Smith would play in his return from a nine-game suspension.

“He’s rusty, but he’s a young, good athlete who, I think, will get the rust off pretty quickly,” Fangio said. “Haven’t really decided how I’m going to play him on Sunday. ... I’d like to see the next two days of practice first.”

Meanwhile, rookie inside linebacker Chris Borland (shoulder) shed the noncontact jersey he wore in practice Wednesday. Borland had three shoulder surgeries early in his college career — two on his left shoulder — but said his ailment isn’t connected to his past issues. He said he wore a noncontact jersey as a precaution.

Man in middle: With nose tackle Ian Williams (fractured fibula) out indefinitely, Quinton Dial will likely assume his spot Sunday. It’s possible Glenn Dorsey (biceps), who is on injured reserve with the designation to return, could be placed on the 53-man roster this week.

Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: ebranch@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @Eric_Branch