Former Hawaii football standout David Veikune has signed with the Denver Broncos, the team announced yesterday.

Veikune was waived by the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 7. He is now the backup to Jason Hunter at outside linebacker, according to the depth chart posted on the Broncos’ Web site.

Veikune was added to the roster after the Broncos released former first-round draft pick Jarvis Moss. Moss had 40 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks in 33 games over 3 1/2 seasons in Denver after former coach Mike Shanahan used the 17th overall pick of the 2007 draft to select him out of Florida.

Veikune, a Campbell High School graduate, was an All-Western Athletic Conference performer as a defensive end at Hawaii. He was selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft and played in 10 games as a rookie.

Also, former UH linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa will miss the Chicago Bears’ game tonight against the Dolphins in Miami because of a knee problem.

Tinoisamoa, who has 41 tackles this season, was listed as out on today’s injury report issued by the team. Nick Roach is expected to start in his place.

Rice OK’d to return

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice bristled at the notion that he’s taking his time to come back from hip surgery, saying yesterday he wants nothing more than to play against the Packers this weekend.

Rice had the procedure in late August and hasn’t played this season. He returned to practice two weeks ago.

Rice has full clearance from the team’s medical staff, and the Vikings have put the final decision about when he’s ready in Rice’s hands.