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The Bills have added a veteran kick returner for the stretch run, claiming Marcus Thigpen on waivers from Tampa Bay on Wednesday, the club said.

The 28-year-old Thigpen was the Buccaneers’ punt and kickoff returner for the first four games of November, bringing back six kickoffs for 120 yards and four punts for 65 yards. His most extensive NFL experience came with the Dolphins, for whom he returned kicks for two seasons (2012-2013). Thigpen (5-9, 200) has returned both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown in regular season play.

The Bills are without their primary punt returner (Leodis McKelvin) and their primary kickoff returner (C.J. Spiller). McKelvin is out for the season with a broken ankle, while Spiller (broken collarbone) is on short-term injured reserve. Tailback Fred Jackson returned punts in Monday’s win vs. the Jets, while wide receiver Marcus Easley returned kickoffs.

To make room for Thigpen, the Bills waived rookie defensive end Bryan Johnson, who was inactive for a pair of games after being promoted from the practice squad on November 12.