The Vikings' roster shuffling continued today as they completed a trade for a cornerback, claimed an offensive lineman off waivers, released two veterans and signed four players to their practice squad.

Claimed off waivers was Mark Asper, a 6-7, 325-pound rookie with collegiate experience at right guard and right tackle. He replaces third-year pro Pat Brown, who was released to make room on the roster.

Also released was cornerback Zack Bowman, meaning both corners the team picked up in free agency this offseason are now gone. Chris Carr was released on Friday.

Bowman's release cleared the way for A.J. Jefferson, who was acquired from Arizona for undisclosed draft picks. Jefferson, a third-year pro that went undrafted in 2010, started seven games for the Cardinals last season. He began the season as a starter, but struggled and was replaced.

Asper was a sixth-round draft pick (178th overall) out of Oregon. He started 13 games at right guard and one at right tackle as a senior. As a junior, he started 11 of 13 games at right tackle.

Asper is the only backup tackle on the 53-man roster at this point. But that's not too alarming because left guard Charlie Johnson would move to left tackle if something happened to Matt Kalil. Joe Berger would then step in at left guard.

Meanwhile, signed to the practice squad were four promising young players the team released on Friday to get down to the 53-man roster. Running back Jordan Todman, who ran for 114 yards in the preseason finale against Houston after struggling most of camp with an ankle sprain, joined offensive lineman Tyler Holmes, defensive lineman Chase Baker and cornerback Bobby Felder.

The Vikings can sign four more players to their practice squad.

ACQUIRED VIA TRADE (ARIZONA)Player POS. EXP. COLLEGEA.J. Jefferson................. CB....................... 3.............. Fresno State AWARDED VIA WAIVERS (BUFFALO)Player POS. EXP. COLLEGEMark Asper...................... OL...................... R....................... Oregon SIGNED TO PRACTICE SQUADPlayer POS. EXP. COLLEGEJordan Todman............... RB....................... 1................ ConnecticutTyler Holmes................... OL...................... R.......................... TulsaChase Baker.................... DL...................... R................. Boise StateBobby Felder................... DB...................... R............. Nicholls State WAIVEDPlayer POS. EXP. COLLEGEPat Brown........................ OL....................... 3........... Central FloridaZack Bowman................. DB....................... 4................... Nebraska