Giants safeties coach Dave Merritt has a simple explanation for free safety Darian Thompson's early-season struggles.

"Rookie. That's what I see," Merritt said. "I see a guy who played one, maybe two games last year. And all of a sudden he's coming back this year, playing his first full season."

It's been a rough restart for Thompson, whose rookie season ended after two games due to a Lisfranc foot injury. The coaching staff hasn't lost confidence in the 2016 third-round pick, but it would be understandable if there was less patience with Thompson's growing pains due to the presence of Andrew Adams.

Adams stepped into the lineup and played well in 13 starts as an undrafted rookie last season. But the Giants are committed to Thompson for now.

"When it comes to Andrew and Darian, they're two separate individuals and that's a decision that the team has made, to go with Darian," Merritt said. "So, is it tough to stick with (Thompson)? No ... Teaching him and helping a kid grow from that, versus punishing him and putting him in a corner, I think that's more beneficial to the overall outcome of where we want to go."

Thompson has played 210-of-212 defensive snaps in the first three games. Adams, who has been reduced to spot duty in three-safety packages, has played just 17 defensive snaps.

"Andrew is probably going to play more. I would expect that would happen a little bit this week," defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. "We're going to need everybody before it's all said and done. But there will be other guys in there playing."

Thompson is looking to rebound in Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers after an abysmal performance in the Giants' 27-24 loss to the Eagles last week. Thompson missed four tackles, including an open-field attempt on Eagles running back Corey Clement's game-tying 15-yard touchdown run with 5:40 remaining.

Merritt said the missed tackles were the result of a technique breakdown, as Thompson stopped his feet as he approached the ball carriers.

"I'm the last line of defense, so that's an emphasis on my game right now," Thompson said. "Of course it's frustrating because when they break through the defense and I'm the last one back there. If somebody else misses a tackle, it's not really noticed. But if I miss a tackle, it's in the open field and everybody sees it. So that has to be a strong point in my game and it's something I will continue to get better at."

Thompson hasn't missed a practice since reclaiming his starting job at the start of training camp. He said his foot isn't to blame for his poor play.

"There's probably a little bit of rust," said Thompson, who hasn't yet shown the ball-hawking skills he displayed at Boise State. "I guess you could say that, but I've been back for a while now so I just have to improve my game."

Adams has been a good soldier, supporting Thompson and accepting his role as a core special teams player.

"I don't really think about my role being cut back. I just embrace my role for the team and whatever they ask me to do, that's what I try to do," Adams said. "Just as a competitor, you always want to be the starter, you want to play as much as you can. But in reality, you've just got to wait on an opportunity like I did last year and when your opportunity comes, that's when you have to strike."

Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.