NFL NOTES: LIONS SAFETY URGED TO RETIRE.

Byline: Daily News Wire Services

Harry Colon, who started four games at safety for the Detroit Lions, was urged by team physicians to retire after X-rays disclosed a congenital problem in his neck. Colon was injured in Sunday's 26-20 overtime loss to the New York Giants.

Kent Falb, the Lions' veteran trainer, called the problem cervical stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal.

Colon had to be taken off the field on a stretcher after a head-to-head collision with Giants safety Brandon Sanders.

X-rays of Colon taken at the Pontiac Silverdome were negative. Lions medical personnel said he had feeling in all his extremities. But it was those negatives that showed the neck problem.

Parcells' QB decision on hold: There's no sense of urgency around the New York Jets this week. Although they'll practice, they have a bye, so coach Bill Parcells has plenty of time to decide whether Neil O'Donnell or Glenn Foley will start at quarterback against the Ravens on Nov. 2.

``I know everyone would like to know right now, but we don't have a game until 13 days from now, so I am not pressed on that,'' Parcells said. ``I'm not trying to be secretive. I want to give it enough thought.''

The situation was created when Parcells benched O'Donnell, the Jets' $25 million starter, for Foley at the start of the second half against New England on Sunday. Foley was sensational, at one point completing 14 straight passes while going 17 for 23 for 200 yards and guiding New York to three touchdowns in a 24-19 win.

Plum assignment: Arizona Cardinals coach Vince Tobin said he would have to review film of Philadelphia's 13-10 overtime win over his Arizona Cardinals before deciding whether to start rookie quarterback Jake Plummer ahead of Kent Graham and Stoney Case. He plans to name a starter today.

More QB changes: With his team stumbling at 1-6, Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Reeves said that he's on the verge of promoting rookie quarterback Tony Graziani to the second team ahead of seven-year veteran Billy Joe Tolliver.

And, if starter Chris Chandler is unable to play Sunday night at Carolina after suffering his second concussion of the season, Graziani could find himself in the starting lineup.

Jets lose linebacker: New York Jets linebacker Pepper Johnson will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured tendon in his left quadriceps during Sunday's 24-19 victory over the New England Patriots.

Seattle loses running back: An MRI revealed that Seattle Seahawks running back Lamar Smith suffered a stress fracture in his lower left leg in the 17-9 victory over St. Louis a day earlier.

Smith's injury will keep him out at least a month, coach Dennis Erickson said.

Humphries expects to play: San Diego Chargers quarterback Stan Humphries, who suffered a mild concussion Thursday at Kansas City, said he expects to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

Broncos owner feared litigation: An NFL owner testified that the only reason he changed his tune regarding the relocation of the Rams to St. Louis was the fear of litigation.

As it turned out, the move was approved and Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen was in court anyway - albeit through videotape - for the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission's $130 million antitrust lawsuit against the league.