"The Atlanta Falcons are in must-win mode with a 6-6 record, but their roster isn't cooperating.

Quarterback Matt Ryan and tailback Michael Turner officially are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome after missing practice all week with toe and ankle injuries. Top cornerback Chris Houston has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, and the offensive line is banged up, among other positions.

Ryan and Turner have been deemed "game-time decisions." Ryan, who missed last week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, was able to participate in walk-through sessions this week. Falcons Coach Mike Smith said Ryan will play if the team believes he's ready.

Coach Sean Payton said New Orleans' defensive plan is to study and prepare for the Falcons' offense in general, rather than preparing for one specific player. If Ryan can't go, backup Chris Redman will start at quarterback. Redman struggled badly against Philadelphia's blitz-heavy attack last week in a 34-7 loss to the Eagles.

Payton said he can sympathize with a team suffering through so many key injuries, like the Saints did in 2008.

"Really, it's this time of the year where I think a lot of people have a number of guys nicked up, and really it's the challenge of the 16-game season," Payton "And any time your quarterback's part of that, or your running back, obviously, that becomes more challenging."

To make matters worse for Atlanta, top defensive lineman Jonathan Babineaux was arrested early Friday morning for possession of marijuana and was charged with four traffic violations. He has not been ruled out of Sunday's game, however, as the team and the league review the circumstances. "