Former Hawaii football player Vaughn Meatoga did not have to wait long for a second chance.

The Cincinnati Bengals claimed Meatoga on waivers on Tuesday. He leaves today for a physical examination ahead of Friday’s start of the Bengals’ mini-camp for rookies.

“Hopefully, it works out,” said Michael Hoffman, Meatoga’s agent.

Meatoga was not selected in the National Football League’s draft two weeks ago.

He signed a free-agent contract with the Washington Redskins, but was released after competing in their rookie camp this past weekend. The Redskins placed Meatoga on waivers on Monday.

In the days leading to that camp, Meatoga suffered from flu-like symptoms in which he lost several pounds and dropped to 295 — considered underweight for a nose tackle. He also had tightness in a hamstring.

“I tried to gain some weight back so I could put a bigger number on the scale,” Meatoga said. “It was a tough deal when I went up there.”

It appears the Bengals’ 4-3 defense is a better match for Meatoga, who will be used in the 3-technique (aligned across the gap between a guard and tackle).

“You never know how these things are going to go,” Hoffman said. “It’s the next step for Vaughn. We hope it’s a better fit.”

Two of Meatoga’s former UH teammates, offensive lineman Austin Hansen and cornerback Tank Hopkins, will have pro auditions this weekend.

The Philadelphia Eagles have invited Hansen to try out during this weekend’s mini-camp for rookies.

Hansen was suspended for the 2011 season when a banned substance was detected in an over-the-counter supplement he took to alleviate the pain from a staph-like infection in his left arm.

Hansen said the banned substance was not listed on the label as one of the ingredients.

“I’m excited to play football again,” Hansen said of the tryout.

On Friday, Hopkins will be among the participants at a tryout for the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League. The event will take place in Dallas.

“We’ll see after the tryout what’s going to happen,” Hopkins said.