Millar was stretchered off just minutes after entering the game and copping the full force of a charging Danny Toala at North Harbour Stadium 11 days ago.
Happily, the rather frightening sight of the youngster prone on the ground has been replaced by a player up and about, following the Super Rugby HIA return-to-play process, and he is preparing to play again soon.
"He’s obviously just going through the protocols now," Highlanders assistant coach Ben Smith said yesterday.
"He’s getting there. He’s working through that and he’s just doing the right things so that when he returns to play, he’s good to go.
"Whether that’s this week or next week ... it’s just going through the right protocols to make sure he’s ready."
Smith was no stranger to a head knock when he was wearing the Highlanders No15 jersey and did not enjoy seeing Millar go down.
"Like all concussions, they’re scary. It’s just making sure you’re doing everything possible to get right.
"When you’re watching it live, you sort of fear the worst when those kinds of things happen, but he’s doing the right things."
A bunch of other Highlanders backs could also be coming back into the selection frame.
Exciting fullback Finn Hurley (quad) and experienced winger Jona Nareki (ankle) could both be in line for a return when the Highlanders host the Hurricanes on Friday night.
Hurley was a late withdrawal from the Moana Pasifika game, and with Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens — the only other specialist fullback in the squad — still working his way back from a serious neck injury, the Highlanders restored midfielder Sam Gilbert to fullback.
"Obviously, Sam has a lot of experience at fullback," Smith said.
"Finn Hurley has been playing really well for us, too, and he’s returning well from his injury.
"There are a couple of good options there."
Significantly, midfield back Thomas Umaga-Jensen is also available for selection for the first time this season.
The Highlanders missed the hard-running figure last year, but his return raises a selection conundrum.
Timoci Tavatavanawai has been a revelation at second five, and it may be tempting to leave him there rather than nudge him back to the wing.
"Jim" is box office gold for the Highlanders, and the latest announcement from Sky Sport about booming television ratings suggests he and the other Super Rugby stars are delivering what rugby fans want.
"I found it hard to miss a game at the weekend," Smith said.
"It’s such a good product that it’s hard not to turn on the telly.
"I enjoyed all the games at the weekend — the Drua, that was awesome to watch; Moana versus Hurricanes.
"I just feel like there’s a good product as far as running rugby. It’s entertaining.
"All teams at the moment have got a win on the table. Anyone can beat anyone at this stage, and that makes for a really good product."
Autumn optimism can descend into winter woe, but there is an overall feeling Super Rugby is recapturing some of its mojo, with teams playing an entertaining brand of rugby.
Smith said the Highlanders were keen to get right into that.
"We want to make sure that when there’s opportunities to go, that we do, and we give players confidence to do that.
"And there’s nowhere better to do that than under the roof."
The Hurricanes have limped to a 1-3 start but expect to welcome back All Blacks front-rowers Tyrel Lomax and Asafo Aumua for Friday’s game in Dunedin.
