While he hasn't started a game since joining the Saints as an unrestricted free agent this spring, McCray does have some starting experience in the league in opening 12 games in 2006 and nine games a year ago for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

McCray will slide into Grant's spot with veteran Jeff Charleston, who played last season for the Indianapolis Colts, joining the rotation at the position.

PLAYER NOTES

--RB Reggie Bush, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Oct. 20, will likely miss Sunday's game at Atlanta but could return the following week at Kansas City. Bush said he'll definitely be back for the Nov. 16 game at Kansas City. Until Wednesday, Bush's activities were limited to lifting weights for the last week and running in a pool.

He said there's been very little swelling and can't wait to get back on the practice field so he can test the knee at full speed. Then again, he said he's going to have to fight the urge to push it.

"I'll be looking for just stability, strength, (see) if I'm able to be explosive, really," Bush said. "That's what it comes down to, because my game is more explosive and fast. If I don't have that, then I'm not really going to be myself out there."

--C Jonathan Goodwin, who suffered a subluxed left kneecap on Oct. 19, missed Thursday's practice and is not expected to play against the Falcons.

--TE Jeremy Shockey practiced fully for the second straight day Thursday and should be ready for Sunday's game.

--RG Jahri Evans was able to work fully again Thursday and should start against the Falcons.

--RB Pierre Thomas was excused from Thursday's practice to attend the funeral of a family member, but is expected back Friday.

--LDE Charles Grant was put on injured reserve Monday as a result of the triceps injury he sustained against San Diego on Oct. 26.

--DT Hollis Thomas, who underwent surgery on Aug. 14 to repair a torn right triceps muscle and received an injury settlement, was re-signed Monday.

GAME PLAN: The Saints always want to do what they do best, and that's throw the ball with the NFL's top-ranked passing game. But they would like to get their running game going against the Falcons, who are 22nd in giving up 120.9 yards a game. Defensively, the Saints will have to stop the NFL's top rushing attack as the Falcons average a whopping 163.4 yards per game. If they don't keep them from running free and getting into the secondary, it'll likely be a long day.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Saints LT Jammal Brown vs. Falcons RDE John Abraham -- Brown is big and strong and a former All-Pro, but he may have his hands full with a sleek pass rusher like Abraham. With 10 sacks, including a pair of three-sack games in eight games, Abraham is having a great season. The Saints, however, have been extraordinary in protecting Drew Brees -- allowing just seven sacks in 311 drop backs -- so giving Brown help at times could be a key to keeping Abraham at bay.

Saints front seven vs. Falcons RB Michael Turner: The Saints have been pretty good the last six games in allowing just 96.3 yards a contest and 3.9 yards a carry in that span. They'll have to be at their best to try and contain Turner, whose combination of size and speed has helped him pile up 794 rushing yards and a 4.5 average in his first season with the Falcons.

Saints LCB Mike McKenzie vs. Falcons WR Roddy White: The Saints can't afford to let Turner rip off some big runs early because that would make the secondary vulnerable to quarterback Matt Ryan and White. Even though he is a rookie, Ryan and White have hit it off with White having a Pro Bowl-type year with 48 receptions for 733 yards and five TDs.

INJURY IMPACT: LDE Bobby McCray, who is tied for the team lead with three sacks, will step into the starting lineup with Charles Grant on injured reserve with a torn left triceps muscle.

--C/G Matt Lehr will start for the second straight game at center if Jonathan Goodwin can't play because of a subluxed left kneecap.